Posted on: Monday, June 3, 2002
Police seek driver in Wai'anae hit-and-run
By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer
Police are seeking witnesses who know the driver of a white Honda Accord that seriously injured a 61-year-old motorcyclist in a hit-and-run accident May 12 in Wai'anae.
The motorcyclist, Richard Pontin of Wai'anae, last week thanked his rescuers and lashed out at the motorist who drove off after the violent crash that tore off the car's bumper and threw him 30 feet.
"I was in a world of hurt," Pontin said from The Queen's Medical Center. "Why not check? Maybe they figured my face fell off, (but) my God, call somebody."
Police said Pontin was Honolulu-bound on Pa'akea Road at about 2:30 p.m. when the white two-door 1986 Honda traveling makai on 'Ili'ili Road ignored a stop sign, pulled out in front of him and stopped. Pontin struck the Honda and flew off his Suzuki Intruder 660 motorcycle. The Honda drove off.
Residents called 911 and Pontin was taken by helicopter to The Queen's Medical Center, where he was treated for a shattered ankle, separated shoulder and a bruised lung. He was released Friday.
On May 13, firefighters found the Honda burned at the makai end of 'Ili'ili Road.
Officer Mark Brown said the Honda with license FWC-213 was not reported stolen, and police were trying to find the last owner of the car, which has changed hands numerous times. He said police have "three possible suspects" and that community members have told police that they have seen a woman driving the Honda.
"We have reason to believe the driver is telling others in the community what happened," said Detective Letha DeCaires. "We're not only looking for eyewitnesses, but others who may have heard talk about this collision."
Pontin thanked the Wai'anae residents who called 911 and his rescuers who were "so helpful."
Pontin, who is retired from the Navy, said he plans to continue riding motorcycles. Pontin credited his helmet and steel-toed boots for protecting him.
Anyone with information is asked to call officer Brown at 529-3499 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellular phone.
