Driver Arrested in Traffic Collision That Killed Kona Woman

Big Island police have arrested a Kailua-Kona man in connection with a fatal two-vehicle collision earlier this month.

The Hawai‘i Police Department reports that 19-year-old Trevor K. Shoemaker-Hassey was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, negligent homicide, reckless endangering and reckless driving. He has been released pending further investigation.

Shoemaker-Hassey was the driver of a white 2019 Nissan Rogue that crossed over the double solid yellow lines on Māmalahoa Highway (Highway 190) on July 14, near the intersection with Akina Place, in North Kona and struck a white 2018 Nissan Versa head on. Following the crash, the driver of the Versa, 63-year-old Rhonda Dee Freedman of Kailua-Kona, was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where she later died.

An autopsy was ordered to determine the exact cause of Freedman’s death.

Shoemaker-Hassey and his 17-year-old female passenger were not injured in the collision.

HPD’s Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate the collision. Anyone with information or who might have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Officer Len Hamakado at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

The July 14 fatality was the 22nd traffic fatality on Big Island roadways this year compared to 12 by the same time last year.