HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT SAMUEL JELSMA
PHONE: 961-2332
JUNE 14, 1999
F-97425
MEDIA RELEASE
A 53-year-old Puna man died early Monday (June 14, 1999) following a one-car traffic accident that occurred on the Keaau-Puna Road (Route 130) hear the 2-mile marker.
The victim was identified as Moses Kaawaloa of the Hawaiian Shores subdivision.
Responding to a 12:17 a.m. accident call, Puna officers determined that the victim’s 1986 Ford Ranger pickup truck was traveling toward Keaau on the highway when it ran off the left shoulder of the roadway, climbed an embankment and overturned onto its side. The victim, who was not wearing his seatbelt, was partially ejected and ended up pinned under the vehicle.
Kaawaloa, the only occupant of the truck, was taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:42 a.m.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers are continuing the investigation to determine whether speed or alcohol was involved in the accident.
Kaawaloa’s death was the 10th traffic fatality so far this year, compared to 18 at the same time last year.
# # #