North Kona fatality 04-09-11 (posted 04-11-01)

Hawai’i Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
April 9, 2011
Report No. C11009123

Media Release

An 18-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died Saturday (April 9) from injuries she sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Ahulani Street, west of Kauwila Street in Kalaoa, North Kona.

The victim was identified as Chernell Kaili, of a Kailua-Kona address.

Responding to a 2:39 a.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2002 Ford Explorer multi-purpose vehicle and traveling west on Ahulani Street when she lost control, ran off the right side of the road and overturned.

Two men, ages 19 and 20, and a 15-year-old girl were transported to Kona Community Hospital by Fire Department rescue personnel. They were treated for minor injuries and released.

The victim was pronounced dead at 6:35 a.m. at Kona Community Hospital.

All the occupants of the vehicle were wearing their seat belts.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were contributing factors in the crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Thomas Koyanagi at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the seventh traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with eight at this time last year.


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