HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT SAMUEL V. JELSMA
PHONE: 961-2332
JUNE 13, 2000
G-31680
MEDIA RELEASE UPDATE
Police have released the identity of the pedestrian killed in the accident that occurred on Saturday night (June 10, 2000). The victim was killed after he was struck by a vehicle heading toward Keaau on Volcano Highway (Route 11) near the Mamaki Street intersection.
The victim is identified as a Robin Paunga, alias Robin Mahafutau, 55, of the Eden Roc subdivision in Puna. Paunga was a Tongan national living in the United States.
Police believe that Paunga had been using alcohol before the accident, and it may have been a contributing factor. He was wearing dark clothing at the time.
Traffic Enforcement Unit Officers are continuing the investigation and a standard negligent homicide case has been initiated.
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