Hawai‘i Police Department
Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Thomas Koyanagi
Phone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229
Report No. 24-002073
Media Release
A 31-year-old Maui man who died in a single-vehicle collision on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Kailua-Kona, has been positively identified as Christopher Keaulama Liftee of Kihei, Maui.
Responding to a call at 4:35 a.m., police determined that Liftee was driving a silver 2004 Nissan Frontier pickup traveling south (makai) of the intersection of Hawai‘i Belt Road (Highway 190) and the Highway 180 junction, when it crossed over the double solid lines and struck a rock embankment. The pickup then overturned, struck a utility pole, and went down a 10-foot embankment.
Liftee, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 6:08 a.m.
Police believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the crash. Liftee was also not wearing his seatbelt.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229; or email at dayson.taniguchi@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the first traffic fatality this year compared to zero at this time last year.