Keiki Killed in Mauna Kea Access Road Crash Identified

Authorities have identified the 9-year-old killed in a car crash on New Yearʻs Day on Mauna Kea Access Road as Kelsirose Adelka of Kailua-Kona.

Hawaiʻi Police Department’s traffic investigators are continuing the mechanical inspection of the truck in the incident.

The crash happened at 3:28 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, on Mauna Kea Access Road below the visitors center.

Kelsirose, who was in the back seat of the truck’s cab, was transported to HMC, were she was pronounced dead at 5:03 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

There were five occupants in the truck and an additional three in the truck’s bed at the time of the crash. All of the vehicle’s occupants sustained injuries and were transported to Hilo Medical Center for treatment and further evaluation.

The operator of the pickup truck, a 40-year-old female, and a 33-year-old male occupant, were airlifted to Queens Medical Center on O‘ahu. A 3-year-old boy was airlifted to Kapiolani Medical Center on O‘ahu in critical condition.

Investigators determined that a 2018 Toyota Tacoma traveling west on Mauna Kea Access Road appears to have lost control when the brakes did not respond. The Tacoma then crossed the roadway in a right curve and went off the left shoulder, about 100 yards, and fell into a ravine.

At the time of the collision, the roadway was wet and it was raining.

The East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit are continuing a negligent homicide investigation, which is pending. Police ask that anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information on the incident, to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at 808-961-2339 or via email [email protected]. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.