Inattentive driving cited in fatal Big Island crash

By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer

Inattentive driving is the probable cause of the collision between a rental car and van Saturday on Kea'au-Pahoa Road that killed three people, according to Big Island police.

Saturday's fatal accident occurred three days after four people were killed when their speeding Toyota Matrix veered into the path of a tour minibus near Glenwood, Puna.

East Hawai'i Assistant Chief Charles Chai called the back-to-back fatal crashes the worst he can remember in 22 years as a Big Island police officer.

Saturday's deaths increased the Big Island fatality count for the year so far to 15. Combined with the Feb. 16 head-on collision on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway in North Kona that killed three people, the recent crashes have accounted for 10 of those deaths.

Big Island police yesterday identified one of Saturday's victims as Harry K. Makua, 65, of Kapoho. Makua was driving a Chrysler Town and Country van that was struck by a Dodge Neon that crossed the center line at 1:30 p.m.

A man and woman, both 52, from Arlington, Va., were in the rented Neon. Their names have not been released because police have not contacted next of kin.

The probable cause of Saturday's collision, as well as the one in February, appears to be inattentiveness, said Chai.

"For whatever reason, the driver took his eyes off the road," said Chai, who noted that witnesses told police that Neon did not appear to be speeding.

"It was for a brief instance. But that's all it takes."

Chai said the roadway in the area is narrow but straight.

Reach Rod Ohira at 535-8181 or rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.