Kona Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run Identified; Investigation Ongoing

Police have identified the woman who died in a hit-and-run collision back in July.

Elaine Marie Toth, 62, of Kailua-Kona, died the night of July 24 after she was struck on Kuakini Highway around 150 yards south of the 119-mile marker in North Kona.

Toth was a pedestrian at the time of the accident.

Police on Thursday asked for the public’s assistance in the investigation into the driver. Investigators are looking for a a 2013-2016 Chevrolet Malibu which may have been involved in the incident. The vehicle would have sustained damage to the driver’s side front fender, bumper, hood and possibly the windshield.

Failure to render aid when a person is killed in a traffic collision is a Class “B” felony that may be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. Failure to render aid is covered under section 291C-14 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at 808-326-4646, ext. 229 or email at dayson.taniguchi@hawaiicounty.gov.

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.