Head-on crash in Hōnaunau leaves Kona man dead

A Kailua-Kona man is dead after a head-on crash in Hōnaunau Sunday afternoon.

Hawai‘i Island police responded to the collision at 2:13 p.m. below the intersection of Ke Ala O Keawe Road and Hōnaunau Road, near the 1.5-mile marker.

Investigators determined that a brown 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV, operated by Keawemauhili Iolanikealoha Navas-Loa, 18, of Hōnaunau, was traveling east (mauka) when it crossed the double solid yellow lines and struck a gray 2003 Honda Accord sedan head-on.

The driver of the Honda Accord, Jerome “Tabu” Chadallen Kahoalii Heath, 49, was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 7:59 p.m.

Two minor children within the Honda Accord, Heath’s 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter, were also taken to the hospital for medical attention and were later discharged after being treated.

Navas-Loa was arrested for second-degree negligent homicide and was later released pending further investigation.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Negligent Homicide investigation and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or email at ansel.robinson@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the sixth traffic fatality this year compared to four at this time last year.