Roelle K. Hoohuli loved her little girl and lived a happy life where the power of hard work and positive thinking trumped adversity, her family and friends said yesterday.

Hoohuli, mother of 3-year-old Ryal, drove off H-1 Freeway and died early Tuesday. Police have said alcohol played a role in the wreck.

"The Hoohuli family is deeply bereaved by the loss of our youngest child as a result of a tragic accident," said her mother, Hoku Hoohuli, in a written statement. "Her time here was much too brief, but we are eternally grateful for having had her in our life. She was an exemplary daughter and accomplished much during her 22 years."

Police said Hoohuli lost control of her maroon 2006 Nissan Frontier pickup truck at 3:24 a.m. She drove off the right shoulder lane of the freeway and down a steep embankment, west of the 'Ewa off-ramp, police said.

The truck flipped over at least twice through brush and shrubs before landing wheels down 186 feet north of the freeway.

"She loved to spend time with her family and her 3-year-old daughter, Ryal. The holidays will never be the same for us as a family," her mother's statement continued. "We know that this is a time for celebrations and parties, and Roelle joined in the festivities as many do. We encourage everyone to keep an eye out for each other to prevent a tragedy like this from devastating another family."

Honolulu police found a bottle of tequila and bottles of beer in Hoohuli's car, police said. Police Sgt. John Agno said alcohol "may have been" a factor. It is not known if drugs or speed also may have contributed to the crash.

Toxicology results from her autopsy have been deferred, according to the Office of the City Medical Examiner, so her blood-alcohol content was not available yesterday.

As a senior at Kamehameha Schools, Hoohuli was co-captain of the varsity cheerleading squad that won the national small varsity division championship in Florida in February 2003.

That team was the first cheerleading group from Kamehameha to win a national championship, said Dolly Wong, co-head coach of the team. She said the group's motto, "Imua tulele" embodied Hoohuli's spirit.

"It means 'stand back because the rushing winds are coming' and that reflects Roelle's personality. That girl did not see obstacles, she just saw what could be done and she was definitely a leader who focused on the positives and not the negatives," Wong said. "She had the attitude that 'I am strong and I can do this.' It is a tragic ending to too short a life."

Hoohuli was the sister of the 2006 Miss Hawai'i USA, Radasha E. Hoohuli, and former University of Hawai'i linebacker and Kamehameha standout Watson K. Hoohuli.

"We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of aloha that we have been receiving. The family is concerned about the safety of those paying their respects at the scene and asks instead that friends and loved ones share their memories of Roelle at our family's home," Radasha Hoohuli said.

Roelle Hoohuli worked as a bartender at Outback Steakhouse in Kapolei and had attended a company Christmas party Monday night in the area of Campbell Industrial Park, police said.

"Her work ethic also helped her as an original member of the opening crew for Outback Steakhouse in Kapolei in 2005 and with her promotion to guest dining services," her sister said.

Hoohuli was not wearing a seatbelt. Her death is the 65th traffic death on O'ahu this year, compared with 87 at the same time last year. Of the 65 traffic deaths on O'ahu this year, 24 have been alcohol-related.

Through October, police had made 3,268 DUI arrests and were on pace to reach an eight-year high.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.

Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.