UPDATE: Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck in Kamuela Parking Lot

UPDATE: July 2, 2019, 11:30 a.m.

Upon further review of the collision, which occurred in what is known as “Parking Lot Ways,” it is considered a “Traffic Way.” Therefore, the fatality will be counted for the yearly fatality total.

Previously, the fatality was not added to the state’s total, as it was not considered to have occurred on a public roadway.

This is the 15th traffic fatality this year compared to 15 at this time last year.

ORIGINAL POST: July 1, 2019

A 53-year old Kamuela man died following a single-vehicle collision on Friday, June 28, 2019, in the parking lot of the Parker Ranch Shopping Center located in Kamuela.

The 53-year old male has been identified as Clinton Leimamo Pawai.

Responding to a 7:24 p.m. call, police determined that a 34-year old male from Kamuela was operating a white 2007 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck when he struck the 53-year old male in the parking lot. The pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk. The 53-year old male was transported to the North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital for treatment. He was later pronounced dead at 12:32 a.m. (June 29).

The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not injured in the collision, but was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. He was later released pending further investigation.

Police believe that alcohol is a factor in the collision.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Negligent Homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229.

Because the collision did not occur on a public roadway, it is not counted as a fatality for statistical purposes.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.