Drug use suspected in head-on collision

By Allison Schaefers
Advertiser Staff Writer

Police suspect "ice" contributed to a head-on collision that left two people critically injured yesterday morning on Kalaniana'ole Highway near Sea Life Park.

A 36-year-old Kane'ohe man 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 HPD traffic division.

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

Both drivers suffered multiple head and body injuries and were taken to The Queen's Medical Center.

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. Test results should be known within a couple of weeks, he said.

Police also are considering auto theft and drug charges, he said.

Charges have not been filed against the man because hospital privacy rules delayed police interviews of the victim, and there were no other witnesses, Agno said.

The accident, the first serious wreck of the Memorial Day weekend, resulted in the closure of both lanes of the highway from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m.

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