Judge reduces bail for Puna man charged with manslaughter, negligent homicide

Kade Smith, 36, was charged with manslaughter, negligent homicide, driving under the influence of an intoxicant, and driving with a suspended license following a fatal traffic collision on Kahakai Boulevard in Hawaiian Beaches on June 3.

According to police reports, Smith, who was driving a Toyota Camry, attempted to make a left turn onto Nīʻuhi Street when he struck a Honda CBR600F motorcycle operated by 30-year-old Korey Palmerton, who was later pronounced dead at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.

Smith made his initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Monday afternoon. Over the prosecutors’ objections, the Hilo District Court judge reduced Smith’s bail from $553,050 to $350,000 and ordered him to appear for a preliminary hearing on June 10. He is charged with:

• Manslaughter, which is recklessly causing the death of another person.
• Negligent homicide in the first degree, which is causing the death of another person by operating a motor vehicle in a negligent manner while under the influence of an intoxicant, alcohol.
• Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.
• Driving while a license is canceled, suspended, or revoked.
• Driving without no-fault insurance.

Prosecutors also alleged that Smith has a prior qualifying conviction comparable to operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant within 15 years of the date of the offense and was also operating a motor vehicle under a driver’s license suspension, which elevates negligent homicide in the first degree from a class B felony offense to a class A felony offense.

The most serious offenses, manslaughter and negligent homicide in the first degree, are both class A felony offenses and carry a penalty of a 20-year prison term.

The charges are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.