Pahoa woman killed in traffic crash
Police say a 49-year-old woman was killed in a one-car collision Wednesday night in the area of Kahakai Boulevard and Welea Street, in Pahoa.
Officers responding to a 10:13 p.m. call determined the woman, who was driving a 2011 Mazda sedan traveling makai on Kahakai Boulevard, failed to negotiate the right curve onto Welea Street at the dead end.
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The car ran off the left side of the roadway and into a rock wall. The roadway was dry at the time of the collision.
The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was located at the scene unresponsive. She was transported to Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 1:33 a.m. Thursday.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. Her name is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of his next of kin.
Police have determined that speed and inattention are the two primary factors in the outcome of this collision. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any additional contributing factors.
The woman’s death is the 31st traffic fatality of 2022 compared to 20 fatalities at this same time last year.
Potential witnesses are being asked 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.
