Two Visitors Die in Kailua-Kona Crash

Two women died in a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon, June 1, 2018, on Palani Road near the intersection of Laimana Street in Kailua-Kona.

They have been identified as Takako Oikawa, 70, of Kanagawa, Japan, and Michiko Ono, 69, of Tokyo.

Responding to a 4:33 p.m.call, police determined that a 2016 Nissan sedan operated by a 69-year-old man from Japan had been traveling west on Palani Road when the vehicle crossed over the centerline and was involved in a head-on collision with a 2018 GMC pickup truck operated by a 32-year-old Kailua-Kona man.

During the collision, Oikawa and Ono sustained critical injuries and were both transported to the Kona Community Hospital where Ono was pronounced dead 5:55 p.m. and Oikawa was pronounced dead at 7:55 p.m. on Friday.

The Nissan operator and one male passenger of the Nissan sedan were also transported to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the collision; they are in serious condition.

The operator of the GMC pickup truck was also transported to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment for his injuries sustained in the collision; he is in guarded condition.

Police believe that inattention was a factor in the crash, but it is not immediately known if alcohol was a factor.

Autopsies have been ordered to determine the exact causes of death.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated Negligent Homicide investigations and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Justin Hooser at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo.

These are the 13th and 14th traffic fatalities this year compared to 18 at this time last year.