Police are investigating a two-vehicle traffic collision Saturday afternoon in Pepeekeo that killed a 63-year-old Mountain View woman.
Officers responding to a 3:48 p.m. report of a traffic collision on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19) in the area of the 10-mile marker determined that a Hamakua-bound 2002 Dodge pickup truck crossed the center line while on the Waiaama Stream Bridge and struck a Hilo-bound 2007 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck head-on.
The driver of the Toyota pickup truck was unresponsive at the scene and pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center at 6:19 p.m. She has been identified as Joni Okino-Shiroma.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver of the Dodge pickup truck, 67-year-old Calvin Shimizu, was arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide and DUI. He was released pending further investigation and admitted to Hilo Medical Center due to the severity of his injuries.
Police believe that speed and intoxication are primary factors in the collision.
This is the 20th fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to 12 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.
Police are witnesses to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2339 or Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.