Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in Hilo
Hawai‘i Island police have launched a negligent homicide investigation after a female pedestrian was hit by a vehicle and killed in Hilo.
Officers responded to the traffic collision on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:15 p.m. at the intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue and East Kahaopea Street. Through the course of their investigation, police learned that a 39-year-old man from Pāhoa was traveling Hilo-bound in a 2023 Kia four-door sedan on Kanoelehua Avenue when the vehicle struck the female.
The woman was initially reported to be crossing the road and was not in a marked crosswalk. The pedestrian was unresponsive at the scene and was pronounced deceased at 7:25 p.m.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld at this time pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
The driver of the Kia was not injured.
The Area I (East Hawai‘i) Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police do not believe that speed and inattention were factors in the crash.
Police ask that anyone who has information regarding this collision to please contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at 808-961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.
This is the 28th traffic fatality of 2026 compared to 17 traffic fatalities this same time last year.
