Kona fatality update 08-05-10

Hawai’i Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
August 5, 2010
Report No. C10021299

Media Release (update)

Big Island police are seeking witnesses to a fatal crash Sunday on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11), .9 miles north of the 87-mile-marker in South Kona.

Responding to a 6:12 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that a 26-year-old man from Hōnaunau was operating a 2007 Honda two-door sedan and traveling south on Route 11 when he crossed the centerline and collided with a 1999 Saturn four-door sedan traveling north.

The driver of the Saturn, 31-year-old Stella Corona of a Kealakekua, died at the scene.

Robert W. Smith, Jr. was arrested for negligent homicide, manslaughter, two counts of negligent injury; habitual operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, driving while license suspended/revoked for DUI and inattention to driving.

Investigators want to speak to witnesses to the crash and anyone who saw Smith driving prior to the accident or observed his activities earlier in the day.

Police ask that they call Officer Thomas Koyanagi at 326-4646, extension 229.



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