Hawai‘i Island police identify pedestrian hit, killed in vehicle collision in Hilo
A pedestrian who died after being hit by a vehicle while crossing in Hilo has been identified.
The collision occurred at 7:15 p.m. on Oct. 22 at the intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue and East Kahaopea Street. According to Hawai‘i Island police, a 2023 Kia four-door sedan was traveling Hilo-bound on Kanoelehua Avenue when the driver, a 39-year-old man from Pāhoa, struck Pamela Lovett, 71, also of Pāhoa.
According to police, Lovett was found unresponsive at the scene and pronounced deceased at 7:25 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The 71-year-old was initially reported to be crossing the road and was not in a marked crosswalk.
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 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 at this same time last year.
