HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-2332
February 6, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

A 30-year-old Hilo man died Monday (February 6, 2006) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Akaka Falls Road, .6 miles west of Honomu Road in Honomu.

Responding to a 9:39 p.m. (February 5, 2006) call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2000 Toyota 4 Runner MPVH and traveling east on Akaka Falls Road when the victim ran off the right side of the road and overturned in a pasture. The driver and two passengers were ejected from the vehicle.

The two passengers in the vehicle, a 32-year-old man and 22-year-old woman both from Hilo were transported to the Hilo Medical Center by Fire Rescue personnel and were listed in satisfactory condition.

The victim was pronounced dead at 12:15 a.m. at the Hilo Medical Center.

Speed and alcohol are factors in this crash and all three occupants were not wearing their seatbelts.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

This is the 5th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to 6 at the same time last year.

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