Father sues over crash that killed 10-year-old
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
The father of a 10-year-old girl who was killed in a chain-reaction collision two years ago that also killed a Honolulu police motorcycle officer has filed a lawsuit against two people involved in the accident, as well as the state.
Alacia Williams was a front-seat passenger in a car driven by her mother near Honokai Hale on July 23, 2003, when it swerved to avoid a cardboard box on the road. A Ford Mustang struck Karin Williams' Dodge Stratus from behind, forcing the Dodge across the median and into the path of five motorcycle police officers.
Alacia
Motorcycle Officer Ryan Goto, 35, crashed into the Williams' car and was killed. Alacia Williams was killed on impact.
Attorney James Leavitt filed the lawsuit yesterday on behalf of Lon Williams. Named as defendants were Marc Henderson, the driver of the pickup truck that allegedly lost the cardboard box, and Lorrie Ann Moniz, the driver of the Mustang.
The lawsuit accuses the two of negligence and being a "substantial cause" of Alacia's death. Henderson and Moniz could not be reached for comment yesterday.
Lon Williams also accuses the state of failing to properly design and build that stretch of Farrington Highway. The lawsuit said there were no median barriers or guard rails to prevent vehicles from crossing over into oncoming traffic.
The lawsuit seeks an undetermined amount in damages.
Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.
