HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
OFFICER BRADLEY FREITAS
PHONE: 961-2332
DECEMBER 9, 2003
H-72798/HM
MEDIA RELEASE
One person was killed Monday (December 8, 2003) in a traffic crash that occurred on Saddle Road (Route 200) near the 33-mile marker.
The victim was identified as Kevin Kukona, 31, of Hilo.
Responding to a 6:33 a.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that a 2002 Mazda pickup truck driven by Kukona was traveling west on Saddle Road when he lost control of the vehicle, which ran off the roadway and overturned.
The victim was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 7:55 a.m.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers are continuing an investigation into the crash and have ordered a medical inquiry to determine the exact cause of death. They are asking anyone with information about the crash or who may have witnessed the crash to call Officer Robert Hatton of the TEU at 961-2332.
Kukona’s death was the 32nd traffic fatality on the Big Island so far this year.
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