Ailing woman struck and killed by van in Kalihi
By James Gonser
Advertiser Urban Honolulu Writer
Miriama Lelauti was completing her morning routine of getting a cup of coffee for her longtime boyfriend when she was struck by a van and killed on Kalihi Street at about 5:40 a.m. yesterday.
The 58-year-old native of American Samoa would cross the busy four-lane road several times a week to fetch coffee for Sese Sakaria before he returned from his all-night job as a security guard.
Miriama Lelauti was diabetic and suffered from kidney problems and underwent dialysis three times a week.
Lelauti, who was diabetic, suffered from kidney problems and underwent dialysis three times a week. She walked very slowly, Sakaria said.
"I reminded her to look before she crossed the street," he said. "But she was really slow."
About an hour before sunrise in the busy area filed with auto repair shops, small manufacturers and old homes and apartment buildings, a 46-year-old Wai'anae man driving a northbound white 1995 Chevy Astro van attempted to pass a truck between Democrat and Kahai streets, according to police.
Lelauti was halfway across the street and not in a crosswalk when the van hit her. She was pronounced dead at 6:55 a.m. at The Queen's Medical Center.
"They drive like this is the freeway," Sakaria said.
Police said speed may have been a factor in the accident and that they would like the driver of the truck to contact them at 529-3499.
Lelauti is the 12th pedestrian killed on O'ahu roadways this year.
There have been 67 traffic deaths so far this year, 24 percent more than the 54 fatalities recorded during the same period last year. Nine traffic deaths have occurred since Oct. 4.
Lelauti is survived by Sakaria; two sons, Ralph Sakaria and Lelauti Sakaria; two daughters, Tala Tado and Lagi Sakaria; and seven grandchildren.
Services are pending.
Reach James Gonser at jgonser@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2431.
