Hawai‘i Island police investigate pedestrian fatality

A male pedestrian is dead after being reportedly struck by a vehicle in Honoka‘a.

Hawai‘i Island police received a report on Sunday evening about a person wearing dark-colored clothing, and walking along Highway 19 near milemarker 47. As officers were responding to the call at 7:33 p.m., they observed a vehicle traveling south on the highway suddenly swerve into their lane, according to a news release from police.

Officers then observed a man wearing dark clothing lying on the road.

Officers immediately began life saving measures until Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel arrived and continued administering CPR. The pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk. He was pronounced deceased at 7:51 p.m.

This is the 18th traffic fatality of 2025 as compared to 24 traffic fatalities this same time last year.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The man’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

The driver of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner multi-purpose vehicle, a 53-year-old Honoka’a woman, was not injured as a result of the collision.

The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and has launched a negligent homicide investigation. At this time, police do not believe that speed, alcohol, or drugs were factors in the collision.

Anyone who may have information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Laurence Davis at 808-961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.