HPD Identifies Victim Killed in Early Morning Crash

Authorities have identified the victim killed in an early-morning two-car crash near Waikoloa Beach Resort as 23-year-old Erica Shay Pukana Aloha Camacho-Paishon, of Kailua-Kona.

Hawaiʻi police responded to the collision, located between Waikoloa Road and Waikoloa Beach Drive on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway, at 1:55 a.m. Through the course of their investigation, officers determined that a black 2017 Toyota 4Runner, driven by Camacho-Paishon, rear-ended a white 2018 Isuzu Box truck heading south on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway that was operated by a 70-year-old Kamuela man.

After the Toyota 4Runner struck the Isuzu box truck, the 4Runner then went off the makai shoulder and struck a lava embankment. The driver of the Isuzu box truck was not injured in the collision.

According to police, authorities believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Camacho-Paishon was transported to Kona Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 5:53 a.m.

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 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.

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