HPD Identifies Teen Killed in Waikoloa Crash

Authorities have identified the 13-year-old girl struck by a vehicle in Waikoloa as Augustina James.

The fatal single-vehicle crash occurred Thursday, Nov. 18, near the intersection of Kamakoa Drive and Iwikuamo’o Drive in Waikoloa Village. Hawaiʻi Police responded to the incident at 6:36 p.m. Through the course of their investigation, they determined a motorist, later identified as 21-year-old Jaychris Romer, was traveling south in a black 2007 four-door Honda Accord when he drove off the roadway and onto the sidewalk, striking Augustina and her teenage male friend.

The vehicle lost control and rolled over several times into a vacant lot, HPD reported.

Augustina was taken to Kona Community Hospital where she was later pronounced dead at 11:38 p.m. The male teenager was transported to North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital for treatment and was later released.

Romer and his 16-year-old male passenger, both of Waikoloa, were taken to North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital for treatment. The driver and passenger of the Honda Accord were treated and later released.

Romer was later arrested for first-degree negligent homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and driving without a license. Romer was later released pending further investigation and toxicology results.

Police do believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the collision. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Negligent Homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at 808- 326-4646, ext. 229, or email at [email protected].

This is the 25th traffic fatality this year compared to 14 at this time last year.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 808-961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.