Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in North Kona

A Kailua-Kona man is dead after being hit by a vehicle just south of the Kaloko/Honokōhau intersection on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway this morning.

Hawai‘i Island police responded to the crash at 3:54 a.m. During the investigation, they learned a 34-year-old Kona man, driving north in a green Subaru Forester, struck the 38-year-old pedestrian after crossing over the white fog line on the mauka side.

After reportedly hitting the victim, police say the driver abandoned his vehicle and fled the area. He was later located a block away from the crash scene and taken into custody.

The pedestrian was transported to the Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:59 a.m. This is the 21st traffic fatality this year compared to 10 at this time last year.

The driver was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, negligent homicide, manslaughter, inattention to driving and failure to render aid.

He is currently being held at the Kealakehe Police Station while the investigation is continuing.

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 Adam Roberg at 808-326-4646 ext. 229 or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300 in Hilo.

4:12 p.m. update: Hawaiʻi Island police have launched a negligent homicide investigation on the 34-year-old driver, later identified as Garrett Duran of Kailua-Kona, who abandoned his vehicle and fled the area after hitting the pedestrian.