Hawaiʻi Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Thomas Koyanagi
Phone: 326-4646, Ext. 229
Report No. 19-051532
Media Release
A 53-year old Kamuela man died following a single vehicle collision on Friday (June 28) in the parking lot of the Parker Ranch Shopping Center located in Kamuela.
The 53-year old male has been identified as Clinton Leimamo Pawai.
Responding to a 7:24 p.m. call, police determined that a 34-year old male from Kamuela was operating a white 2007 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck when he struck the 53-year old male in the parking lot. The pedestrian was not in a marked crosswalk. The 53-year old male was transported to the North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital for treatment. He was later pronounced dead at 12:32 a.m. (June 29).
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not injured in the collision, but was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. He was later released pending further investigation.
Police believe that alcohol is a factor in the collision.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Negligent Homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229.
Upon further review of the collision, which occurred in what is known as “Parking Lot Ways”, it is considered a “Traffic Way”. Therefore, the fatality will be counted for the yearly fatality total.
This is the 15th traffic fatality this year compared to 15 at this time last year.