Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
August 24, 2008
Report No. C08025688
Media Release
A 33-year-old Mexican national from Kainaliu died Sunday (August 24) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Route 180 between the 7- and 8 mile markers in Kona.
The victim was identified as Joel Aguilar Ramirez of Kainaliu.
Responding to a 3:33 a.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that a 1996 Geo multi-purpose vehicle was traveling south on Route 180 when the driver lost control, ran off the right side of the road and overturned.
The five male occupants, who were not wearing seat belts, were ejected from the vehicle.
Through an interpreter, officers are still trying to determine who was operating the vehicle.
The victim was pronounced dead at Kona Community Hospital at 5:52 a.m.
The other four occupants, who are also Mexican nationals, were transported to Kona Community Hospital and treated and released with minor injuries.
Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
This is the 16th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 23 at this time last year.