Driver sought in Hilo hit-and-run that seriously injured a pedestrian

Police are searching for the driver involved in a pedestrian hit-and-run traffic collision Thursday night in Hilo that left a 75-year-old male with serious injuries.

The single-vehicle collision occurred on Kilauea Avenue near the intersection with Mohouli Street in Hilo, police said.

Responding to a 6:42 p.m. call, officers determined that an unknown pickup truck or sports utility vehicle struck the man, who was crossing the street at the time.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and failed to render aid to the pedestrian. Officers were able to determine that the vehicle continued traveling north on Kilauea Avenue after the collision.

The victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center for treatment and was later transferred to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment.

Failure to render aid when a person is seriously injured or killed in a traffic collision is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

The South Hilo Patrol Division has initiated a negligent injury investigation and are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact the Hawaii Police Department’s nonemergency number at (808) 935-311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.