Nā‘ālehu woman dies in single-vehicle crash early this morning in South Kona

A 33-year-old Nā‘ālehu woman died in a single-vehicle collision on Māmalahoa Highway (Highway 11), south of the 84-mile marker in South Kona near Manukā State Park, early this morning.

Responding to a call at 2:06 a.m., Hawai‘i Island police determined that a silver 2011 Mazda CX-9 was traveling south on the highway when it ran off the right (makai) shoulder, went down a 20-foot embankment, rolled over and caught on fire.

Hawai‘i Fire Department responded and put out the blaze at which time a female body was found within the vehicle. The woman, who was the sole occupant, was taken to the Kona Community Hospital where she was later pronounced dead at 8:32 a.m.

Police believe that speed and impairment are factors in the crash. The driver was not wearing her seat belt. She has not been positively identified, pending the notification of next of kin.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest 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 Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

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