A 41-year-old Kïhei woman died in a head-on crash yesterday on Maui when her van crossed the center line of Honoapi'ilani Highway and collided with another van heading toward Lahaina.

Police identified the woman as Norma Bentosino, who was pronounced dead at 4:35 p.m. yesterday at the Maui Memorial Medical Center.

Bentosino was driving toward Kïhei at 1:20 p.m. when her van, a 1998 green Chevrolet Astro, crossed the center line. The 56-year-old Kahului man driving the other van, a white 1999 Ford, had 11 passengers with him.

He was wearing a seatbelt but Bentosino was not, police said.

Police are investigating whether speed or the use of alcohol or drugs was involved.

This was Maui County’s seventh traffic fatality of 2004, the same number as was recorded this time last year.

Two hikers rescued at Koko Head

Two women hiking the Koko Head Crater trail were airlifted from the area above the blowhole yesterday after they reached a spot that was too slippery for them to cross.

One of the women called Honolulu firefighters at about 10 a.m. yesterday by cell phone. The women were airlifted out at about 11 a.m.

"They were smart; they just stayed in place and used their cell phone," HFD Capt. Kenison Tejada said.

Pole blocks road in Kahalu'u

Crews worked through the night to clear a utility pole blocking Kamehameha Highway in Kahalu'u. Traffic was contraflowed, and crews were expected to work into this morning.

A minor accident downed the pole between Palama Road and Kaimalolo Place at about 5:30 p.m., police said. Afternoon traffic was backed up for miles.

Man charged in assaults on girl

A 30-year-old Mo'ili'ili man faces multiple charges in connection with sexual assaults allegedly committed in April against an 11-year-old girl.

Paul Spinks, who is being held in lieu of $75,000 bail, was charged with four counts of first-degree sexual assault and seven counts of third-degree sexual assault.