Prosecutors seek life in prison for woman charged in fatal Hilo hit-and-run

The driver charged with fatally striking a pedestrian last Saturday made her first appearance in Hilo District Court on Tuesday afternoon.

Sienna Tavares-Brown’s bail was maintained at $158,000 and she was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 18.

According to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, Tavares-Brown’s blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit when she struck 57-year-old Eric Mabuni of Hilo on the night of April 13. Police report Tavares-Brown – who had two juvenile passengers at the time of the collision – then left the scene on East Kawili Street in Hilo without rendering aid.

Mabuni was transported to Hilo Medical Center and then flown to Queen’s Medical Center due to the severity of his injuries. He died Monday afternoon.

Tavares-Brown is charged with the following:

• Negligent Homicide in the First Degree;
• Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant;
• Accidents Involving Death or Serious Bodily Injury;
• Accidents Involving Damage to Vehicle or Property;
• Operating a Vehicle After License and Privilege have been Suspended or Revoked for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant;
• Reckless Endangering in the Second Degree;
• and Child Passenger Restraints.

Negligent Homicide in the First Degree is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a 20-year prison term. However, prosecutors have provided notice to seek an extended term of imprisonment under “Kaulana’s Law.”

Kaulana’s Law, named after Kaulana Werner who was struck and killed by a drunk driver in a 2016 Nanakuli hit-and-run, authorizes the court to impose an extended term of imprisonment for an offender who is convicted of Negligent Homicide in the First Degree and did not remain at the scene of the crime and render reasonable assistance to an injured person.

An extended term of imprisonment for a class A felony is life in prison.