Road to Close For Police Investigation

If you plan to drive in South Kona Thursday morning, your travel may be interrupted.

Hawai‘i police have announced a temporary road closure of Keala O Keawe Road (Highway 160) near the scenic point above Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The closure is set for Thursday, April 15, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Motorists will only be able to access Pu’uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park from the north (makai) during this time period.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit will be conducting further investigation of the traffic fatality that occurred in the area on Friday, March 19. The crash left 19-year-old Erika Fredrika Neilson, of Kailua-Kona dead.

The driver of the Infinity sedan, 19-year-old Roman Kozinskiy, and a 24-year-old female passenger, both from Kailua-Kona, were taken to Kona Community Hospital for treatment following the crash. Both were treated and later released.

Kozinskiy was then arrested for negligent homicide and operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. He was released on Sunday, March 21, pending further investigation, part of which will take place Thursday.

Motorists are asked to drive with caution during this time and take alternate routes if possible. Plan trips accordingly and expect delays when traveling through the area.