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Big Island Woman Killed in North Kona Crash

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A Big Island woman has died following a crash in North Kona.

The Hawai‘i Police Department reports that a 63-year-old Kailua-Kona woman, identified as Rhonda Dee Freedman, died after a two-vehicle collision Thursday, July 14, at the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway (Highway 190) and Akina Place.

Upon responding to a 9:18 p.m. call, police determined a white 2019 Nissan Rogue operated by a 19-year-old Kailua-Kona man was heading south on Māmalahoa Highway when he crossed over the double solid yellow lines and struck a white 2018 Nissan Versa operated by Freedman head on, according to a media release from the police department.

Freedman was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where she later died. She was pronounced dead at 10:51 p.m. An autopsy was ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

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The 19-year-old male driver of the Nissan Rogue and his 17-year-old female passenger were not injured.

The 19-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, negligent homicide, reckless endangering and reckless driving. He is being detained at the Kealakehe Police Station while the investigation into the crash continues.

The Hawai‘i Police Department’s Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking anyone who might have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov.

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Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 in Hilo.

This is the 22nd traffic fatality this year compared to 12 by this time last year.

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