Police Seek Man for Questioning in Fatal Weekend Crash

An investigation into a single-vehicle crash that killed a 22-year-old Pahoa woman has led authorities to seek 22-year-old Gary A. Simpkins, also of Pahoa.

Simpkins is identified by police as a black male, 5’6”, and 180 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Hawai’i Police Department officers responded to Nanawale Boulevard, just west of Donneybrook Lane, at 8:22 p.m., where they determined that a 2001 Honda four-door sedan was traveling west on Nanawale Boulevard when the vehicle lost control, ran off the right side of the road, and struck trees and two utility poles.

Authorities said Monday morning that two individuals, the driver and another male passenger, are believed to have fled from the scene.

The woman who died in the accident was a backseat passenger. She suffered injuries when she was ejected from the back seat. She died at the scene, but was officially pronounced dead at 2:39 a.m. after being transported to Hilo Medical Center.

On Sunday morning, the Hawai’i County Fire Department noted that the woman was found about 10 feet from the area that the car came to a rest in thick bushes.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the 24-year-old woman’s death.

Authorities have not identified the woman publicly, pending notification of next of kin and positive identification.

A 24-year-old Pahoa man who was a front seat passenger was also transported to Hilo Medical Center by HFD. He was treated and released.

Speed and alcohol are believed to be factors in the crash, and a negligent homicide investigation has been initiated.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or knows the whereabouts of Simpkins is asked to call Officer Clarence Acob at 961-2293 or the Police Department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311.