HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT SAMUEL JELSMA
PHONE: 961-2332
OCTOBER 4, 2000
G-31824
MEDIA RELEASE CORRECTION
An investigation into a fatal two-car collision that occurred June 12, 2000, on Akoni Pule Highway (Route 270) has determined that initial reports on how the accident occurred were incorrect.
The accident, which occurred at about the 18-mile marker fronting the Puakea Bay Ranch in North Kohala, resulted in the deaths of three persons: Clifford Ignacio, 52, of Kawaihae, and Emily Stark, 90, and Dr. Barton Eveleth, 87, both of Hawi.
The initial news release about the collision reported that Ignacio’s 1987 Nissan sedan had been heading north in the southbound lane when it collided head-on with a southbound 1998 Suzuki station wagon driven by Stark.
A further investigation of the scene and follow-up interviews determined, however, that the opposite had occurred. They showed that it was Stark’s station wagon that had been traveling north in the southbound lane when it collided head-on with Ignacio’s sedan.
Incorrect information had been provided to police officers by a witness at the scene. In addition, the force of the impact had spun both vehicles around on the road.
Stark and Ignacio were killed in the accident. Eveleth, a front seat passenger in Stark’s vehicle, died a week later of injuries he suffered in the accident.
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