A 23-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died after a two-vehicle collision early this morning on Queen Kaahumanu Highway in South Kohala.
Police identified the victim as Erica Shay Pukana Aloha Camacho-Paishon.
Officers responding to a 1:55 a.m. call determined that a black 2017 Toyota 4Runner driven by Camacho-Paishon rear-ended a southbound white 2018 Isuzu box truck on Queen Kaahumanu Highway about 0.3 miles north of the 76-mile marker.
After hitting the truck, the 4Runner then careened off the makai shoulder of the highway and struck a lava embankment.
Camacho-Paishon was taken to Kona Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 5:53 a.m.
The driver of the Isuzu truck, a 70-year-old Waimea man, wasn’t injured.
Police believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
A negligent homicide investigation has been opened and potential witnesses are asked to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
Camacho-Paishon’s death is the 15th official traffic fatality this year compared to eight at this time last year.