A 39-year-old Kona man has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol after he allegedly ran over a man lying across the southbound lane of Kuakini Highway just north of Honalo early Sunday morning.
The victim, identified as 26-year-old Richard Penrose of Kailua-Kona, died at the scene.
Police said the incident occurred around 2:53 a.m. near the intersection of Kuakini Highway, also known as Highway 11, and Pu`uloa Road.
The driver of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz, Christian S. Yamagata of Kealakekua, was also arrested on suspicion of negligent homicide. He was released without charges pending further investigation.
Police ask that anyone who witnessed the collision call Officer Thomas Koyanagi of 326-4646, ext. 229.
This was the 26th traffic fatality on Big Island roads this year compared to 30 at this time last year.
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