Police Identify Victims in Kona Head-On Collision

The Hawai’i Police Department has identified the three people who died in Saturday morning’s Kailua-Kona crash.

Police say the individuals were identified through dental records as 18-year-old Keliiokahonua Sadumiano of Ocean View, 17-year-old Kaela Avanilla of Kailua-Kona, and 17-year-old Phoenix Hauanio of Kailua-Kona.

Based on the autopsies conducted Wednesday, all three died from injuries sustained in the vehicle accident that occurred near the Hina Lani and Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway intersection.

On Saturday, Feb. 14 Kona Patrol officers responded to a 5:17 a.m. call where they determined that a Nissan pickup truck traveling north on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway, driven by a 39-year-old Kailua-Kona man, had been struck by a Kia SUV driven by Sadumiano that was traveling south. Upon colliding, the Kia caught on fire.

The man driving the truck remains at Kona Community hospital in stable condition.

Saudumiano, along with Avanilla, who was the front-seat passenger, and Hauanio, who was seated in the back-seat passenger spot on the driver’s side, all died at the scene.

A 17-year-old Kailua-Kona girl who was also in the vehicle was able to exit. She remains at the Kona Community hospital in stable condition.

Authorities say that toxicology results are pending, and it is not known if drugs or alcohol were related factors in the crash. Speed, however, has been identified as a factor.

The case continues to be investigated as three negligent homicides.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Officer Justin Hooser or Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, extension 229.

Individuals who wish to remain anonymous may call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.