Puuanahulu fatality (update) 06-13-08

Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
June 13, 2008
Report No. C08018392

Media Release (update)

A 41-year-old Kamuela man died Friday (June 13) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Route 190 between the 18- and 19- mile markers in the Puuanahulu area of North Kona.

The victim was identified as Chenault D. Bethea of a Kamuela address.

Responding to a 12:16 a.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1999 Lexus SUV and traveling north on Route 190, when he lost control, ran off the road and overturned. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle.

He was later transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

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.

This is the 12th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 16 at this time last year.



This entry was posted in Media Releases. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.
  • Keep your community safe through Crime Stoppers

    Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

    The Crime Stoppers TV Program is available on-demand from Nā Leo TV.