Police send message to street racers
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
Honolulu police were out in force last night as a result of Sunday's fatal H-1 collision and will continue to be highly visible — whether it's on the roads or in the air — in an attempt to slow down racers and speedsters this holiday weekend.
Police officials hope that the greater presence of officers will send a message to motorists that speeding and racing will not be tolerated. The enhanced traffic monitoring will include the police helicopter, which will be used to spot groups of cars gathering to race.
"We're gonna emphasize more visibility, let the people know that anybody speeding, anybody that can hurt somebody, they're going to be cited. Very simple," said Traffic Division Lt. Alfredo Torco.
Police are hoping to slow drivers and prevent speed-related traffic fatalities. The crackdown follows the accident Sunday when a 58-year-old woman riding a Ford Aerostar van was killed when it was struck by an 18-year-old driver who allegedly was racing on the H-1 Freeway near Kaimuki.
In addition to the helicopter, police planned to use motorcycles, unmarked police cars, extra officers and decoy racing cars to enforce the speed limit. Police also will operate drunken driving checkpoints throughout the weekend.
"We're not targeting racing cars, but apparently it seems that these are the people that are slamming into the normal public," Torco said. "This is not a program. It's just that this needs to be done this long weekend. We just want people to be happy on Tuesday."
While police look to prevent fatalities, an investigation into Sunday's accident continues.
Police said the 1994 Ford Aerostar van was equipped with only a driver-side airbag, which deployed on impact. It was not mandatory for that year's model to have a passenger-side airbag.
Police said Elizabeth Kekoa, who was killed in the crash, appeared to have suffered a broken neck, but police are awaiting confirmation from an autopsy.
Traffic investigators said the Honda Prelude that struck the Kekoa van had been modified with high-performance parts such as intake and exhaust manifolds. The car was driven by Nicholas Tudisco and was registered to his parents, police said.
Vehicular homicide Sgt. David Talon said Tudisco's car did not have required state permits for modification. Police estimate that Tudisco was going 100 mph when he crashed into the center median wall.
Advertiser staff writer Rod Ohira contributed to this report.
