'Ice' suspected cause of two-car collision

By Allison Schaefers
Advertiser Staff Writer

Police suspect "ice" was the cause of a head-on collision this morning on Kalaniana'ole Highway near Sea Life Park that left two people critically injured.

A 36-year-old man from Kane'ohe was driving toward Makapu'u in a stolen 1991 Honda when he crossed the center line and hit a 1993 Nissan pickup truck head-on, said Sgt. John Agno, of the Honolulu Police Department traffic division.

The truck was driven by a 48-year-old woman from Kapolei, who was going toward Waimanalo. The woman, who did not appear to be wearing a seat belt, was critically injured, Agno said.

Both drivers suffered multiple head and body injuries and were taken to Queen's Medical Center for treatment. Although the man's condition was listed as serious at the scene, his condition was later changed to critical, Agno said.

During the accident investigation, police officers found crystal methamphetamine paraphernalia in the man's car, Agno said.

"We believe he crossed the center line because of drugs or alcohol," Agno said.

Blood serum tests will be conducted on the man, who could face multiple charges in the accident, Agno said. Police should get the test results within a couple of days or weeks.

Police are also considering auto theft and drug charges. Charges have not been filed against the man because hospital privacy rules delayed police interviews of the accident victims and there were no other witnesses, Agno said.

The accident, which was the first serious wreck of the Memorial Day holiday weekend, closed both lanes of traffic from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. More than five police units went to the accident scene.

Reach Allison Schaefers at 535-8110 or at aschaefers@honoluluadvertiser.com.