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North Kohala fatality (update) 12-13-08 (posted 12-15-08)

Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
December 13, 2008
Report No. C08037606

Media Release (update)

Police traffic investigators have arrested a 25-year-old North Kohala man who was involved in a one-vehicle fatality crash on Akoni Pule Highway, 247 feet south of the 6-mile marker.

Police arrested Micah N. Thomas, of a Hawi address, at 1:14 p.m. after he was treated and released from North Hawaii Community Hospital.

Thomas was arrested for negligent homicide in the first degree, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, excessive speeding and inattention to driving.

After conferring with the Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, police released Thomas pending further investigation.

A 24-year-old North Kohala woman died Saturday (December 13) from injuries she sustained in the crash.

Responding to a 3:57 a.m. call (December 13), North Kohala patrol officers determined that Thomas was operating a 2006 Lexus four-door sedan and traveling north on Akoni Pule Highway when he lost control, crossed the centerline, ran off the left side of the road and overturned.

The woman who was a passenger in the vehicle was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the car.

Police believe that the crash may have occurred sometime late Friday night (December 12). The driver, who was unconscious after the crash, woke up before 4:00 a.m. and called for help.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in this case.

The name of the victim is being held pending positive identification and notification of the next of kin.