Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Acting Sergeant Wendall Carter
Phone: 961-2332
July 26, 2007
Report No. C07023214
Media Release (update No. 2)
Police traffic investigators have arrested a Kawaihae man in connection with a fatal crash Friday (July 20) in Honaunau.
Ballan Betwel, 21, was arrested Monday (July 23) for driving under the influence, negligent homicide, accident involving death or serious bodily injury, driving without a license and consumption/possession of liquor while operating a vehicle. He was released without charges pending further investigation.
Responding to a 4:04 p.m. call Friday, Kona patrol officers determined that a male party with three other occupants was operating a 2000 Jeep Cherokee SUV traveling north on Route 11 near the 99 mile marker in Honaunau, when vehicle ran off of the right side shoulder of roadway, struck an embankment and overturned.
A passener, 33-year-old Jules Anjain of Hamakua, sustained critical injuries and was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers are continuing their negligent homicide investigation, and are still requesting the public’s assistance with any information about this crash.
Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Marvin Troutman at 326-4646, extension 229, or Acting Sergeant Wendall Carter at 961-2332.
This is the 19th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared with 18 at this time last year.
