Hawai‘i Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit – Area II
Sergeant Thomas Koyanagi
Phone: (808) 326-4646, Ext. 229
Report No.: 22-061320
Media Release
Hawai‘i Island police have arrested the 19-year-old driver of a vehicle involved in a two-car collision that resulted in the death of 63-year-old Kailua-Kona woman on Thursday, July 14, 2022, in North Kona. Trevor K. Shoemaker-Hassey, of Kailua-Kona, was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OVUII), negligent homicide, reckless endangering, and reckless driving. He was later released pending further investigation.
Responding to a 9:18 p.m. call at the intersection of Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 190) and Akina Place, police determined that a white 2019 Nissan Rogue operated by Shoemaker-Hassey was heading south on Mamalahoa Highway when he crossed over the double solid yellow lines and struck a white 2018 Nissan Versa head on. The Nissan Versa was operated by 63-year-old Rhonda Dee Freedman.
Shoemaker-Hassey and his 17-year-old female passenger were not injured in the collision. Freedman was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where she later died at 10:51 p.m.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate this collision and asks for anyone who may have witnessed it to contact Officer Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 22nd traffic fatality this year compared to 13 at this time last year.
