Dump truck crash closes Akoni Pule Highway for 3 hours

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Police are investigating a traffic crash that lead to the closure of Akoni Pule Highway for three hours near Kawaihae Harbor on Wednesday.

Officers responding to a 2:30 p.m. call determined that a 2001 Peterbilt dump truck was traveling west on Akoni Pule Highway near the 3-mile marker when the driver lost control of the truck, veered off of the roadway, struck a guardrail and overturned, spilling its load of asphalt.

The driver of the dump truck was able to extricate himself from the truck. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated and released at the North Hawaii Community Hospital.

The incident closed Akoni Pule Highway until crews arrived to remove the vehicle and debris from the roadway.

The driver of the truck,60-year-old Jeffrey Anderson of Naalehu was arrested on suspicion of DUI and was later released pending further investigation.

Witnesses are asked to call the police nonemergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.