Media Release

A 20-year-old Keaau woman was killed Sunday (April 19) from injuries she sustained in a one-vehicle crash at the intersection of Paradise Drive and 25th Avenue in Puna’s Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision.

The victim was identified as Doreen T.H. Kaina, of a Kea’au address.

Responding to a 6:35 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2009 Chrysler four-door sedan and traveling east on Paradise Drive when she lost control, crossed the centerline and collided into a utility pole.

A 19-year-old male passenger in the vehicle received minor injuries and refused medical treatment.

It appears that the driver and passenger were wearing their seat belts.

The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 9:05 a.m.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol was involved but speed was definitely a factor in this 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 Robert Pauole at 961-8119.

Because this crash occurred on a private road, the death is not counted on the official traffic fatality count.