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Puna fatality 12-21-07

Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
December 21, 2007
Report No. C07040961

Media Release

A 23-year-old Pahoa woman died Friday (December 21) from injuries she sustained in a one-vehicle traffic crash on Route 132 (Pahoa-Kapoho Road) in the area of the 2 mile-marker.

The driver was identified as Ainalani A. Kanekoa of a Pahoa address.

Responding to a 2:13 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1997 Toyota pick-up truck and traveling east on Route 132 when she crossed the centerline, ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree.

The driver was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 4:50 a.m.  The driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in this crash.

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

Police ask anyone with information about the case to call Officer Robert Pauole at 961-8119.

This is the 37th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 33 at this time last year.