Kona man facing charges following pedestrian crash at Old Kona Airport Park

A man from Kailua-Kona is facing charges after reportedly hitting a pedestrian with his vehicle at Old Kona Airport Park in May, who has since died.

Hawai‘i Island police responded to the crash at 7:28 p.m. on May 30. Through the course of their investigation, officers determined that a white 2017 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was heading south (Kona-bound) on the Old Kona Airport roadway when it veered off the paved portion of the roadway onto the unfinished gravel area and struck a 59-year-old man who was walking south on the unpaved portion of the runway.

The pedestrian was transported by Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel to the Kona Community Hospital before being airlifted to the Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu for further treatment.

The Hawai‘i Police Department was notified that the man succumbed to his injuries on June 4.

The driver of the Toyota, Janne Labin, 23, of Kailua-Kona, was arrested at the time of the crash and charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, first-degree negligent injury and reckless driving.

Labin appeared in Kona District Court for an initial appearance on June 2, where Judge Kimberly Tsuchiya reduced his bail from $13,000 to $2,500.

The investigation into the May crash has since been reclassified as second-degree negligent homicide. Additional charges may be pending based on the investigation’s results.

At this time, police believe that speed, alcohol, and inattention were factors in the crash.

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

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing this investigation and asks that anyone who may have witnessed the collision contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at Dayson.Taniguchi@hawaiipolice.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This death marks the 16th traffic fatality on Hawai‘i Island roads in 2026, compared to 13 traffic fatalities at the same time last year.