Hawaii Island police are investigating a traffic-related incident that occurred at Pohoiki Beach Park on the evening of Tuesday, April 4, which left a 61-year-old man in critical condition.
Shortly after 7 p.m. that night, Puna patrol officers and Hawaii Fire Department personnel responded to the entrance area of the beach park for a report of a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle.
Responding officers determined the victim was a security guard at Pohoiki.
The victim, whose first name is Earl, was transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center and was later flown to the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.
Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel were assigned to investigate the incident, because the circumstances were unclear.
Detectives spoke with a witness who reported that after the incident occurred, a red pickup truck with either pipe packs or a metal dog cage was seen leaving the area without its headlights illuminated. It is believed the truck hit another parked vehicle and the victim.
This case is currently classified as a negligent injury.
Hawaii County Parks and Recreation is responsible for security at Pohoiki and confirmed the victim was the security guard for the park. A replacement security guard is currently on site.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Earl for a speedy recovery,” said Maurice Messina, director of Parks and Recreation. “And with his family as they try to make it through this difficult time.”
Messina also confirmed Earl was outside of the park at the time of the incident.
Police ask anyone who may have information relative to this case, or who may have been in the Pohoiki area on the evening of April 4 around 7 p.m., to contact the police department’s Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit at (808) 961-2391, or the police department’s nonemergency number at (808) 935-3311.