Police identify Nā‘ālehu woman killed in November 2023 crash near Manuka State Park

Big Island police have identified a 33-year-old Nā‘ālehu woman who died in a single-vehicle crash Nov. 12, 2023, on Māmalahoa Highway near Manuka State Park as Annemarie Salvatore.

Upon responding to the scene of the crash shortly after 2 a.m. Nov. 12, police investigators determined Salvatore was driving a silver 2011 Mazda CX-9 traveling south on Māmalahoa Highway near the 84-mile marker when she ran off the right shoulder and went down a 20-foot embankment. The vehicle then rolled over and caught fire.

Once the fire was extinguished, Salvatore’s body was found inside. She was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead at 8:32 a.m.

Police determined that speed was a factor in the crash and are awaiting toxicology and autopsy results to determine if impairment was also a factor. Salvatore was not wearing her seatbelt.

A Hawai‘i Police Department Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit coroner’s inquest investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who might have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at dayson.taniguchi@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.