HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-8889
APRIL 21, 2005
C05013088/HL

MEDIA RELEASE

A 53-year-old Hilo woman died Wednesday (April 20, 2005) of injuries she suffered in a three-car collision on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) about three-tenths of a mile north of the eight-mile marker.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

Responding to a 7:23 p.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that the victim was driving a 1992 Honda two-door sedan in the Hilo direction when the car crossed the centerline and sideswiped a 2000 Toyota four-door sedan traveling in the opposite direction. The Honda then struck a guardrail on the makai side of the road, continued in the Hilo direction and was struck by a 2003 Mazda four-door sedan also traveling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the Toyota, a 49-year-old female, was treated and released from the Hilo Medical Center.

The driver of the Mazda, a 36-year-old female, and two female passengers, ages 15 and 16, were taken to the Hilo Medical Center, where they were listed in serious condition.

It was not immediately known if speed or alcohol was involved in the crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a standard negligent homicide investigation into the crash and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of the woman’s death.

Wednesday’s death was the 13th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to 17 at the same time last year.

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