Pedestrian killed in traffic collision minutes into 2025

Two minutes into the new year, Hawai‘i Island police responded to a South Kona traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that left the male pedestrian dead.

The driver of the vehicle, 23-year-old Kelly Kaikili Losalio, of Captain Cook, was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OVUII) and negligent homicide.  

The pedestrian has been positively identified as 52-year-old Jelson Kainue Leslie of Captain Cook.

Officers responded to the scene in the 82-1000 block of Kinue Road after receiving a report of the crash at 12:02 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Police investigators determined that a white 2018 Honda Accord, driven by Losalio, was traveling eastbound when it struck Leslie as he was setting up fireworks on the roadway in celebration of the New Year.

After striking the pedestrian, the Honda collided with a parked white 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck. Leslie was transported to the Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 1 a.m.

Preliminary findings suggest that both speed and impairment contributed to the collision.

Losalio was arrested on suspicion of OVUII and negligent homicide. He is currently in custody at the Kealakehe Police Station as the investigation remains ongoing.

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 Dayson Taniguchi at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229, or email at dayson.taniguchi@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the first traffic fatality this year compared to 0 at this time last year.