HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-2332
NOVEMBER 13, 2005
C05038613
MEDIA RELEASE
A 24-year-old Ka’u woman was killed Sunday (November 13, 2005) from injuries she sustained in a two-vehicle collision on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11), .3 miles north of the 60-Mile Marker.
The victim was identified as Rodalyn G. Abellera of a Pahala address.
Responding to a 8:55 a.m. call, Ka’u patrol officers determined that the victim was traveling south on Hawaii Belt Road and operating a 2000 Honda, 2 door sedan when she attempted to pass a vehicle in front of her. The victim observed an oncoming vehicle at which time returned to her lane and lost control of her car, crossed the centerline and collided with a 1999 Honda, 4‑door sedan traveling north.
The driver of the Honda, a 34-year-old Naalehu man was transported to the Hilo Medical Center by Fire Rescue personnel where he was treated and released with minor injuries.
The victim was pronounced dead at 1:15 p.m., at the Kona Community Hospital.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a standard negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. It appears that speed is a factor in this crash.
This is the 31st traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to 37 at the same time last year.
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