Updated at 3:27 p.m., Saturday, December 22, 2007
Big Island woman, 23, killed in crash near Pahoa
Advertiser Staff
A 23-year-old woman from Pahoa on the Big Island died Friday from injuries she sustained in a one-vehicle traffic crash on Route 132, Pahoa-Kapoho Road, in the area of the 2 mile-marker.The driver was identified as Ainalani A. Kanekoa of a Pahoa address.
Responding to a 2:13 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 1997 Toyota pick-up truck and traveling east on Route 132 when she crossed the centerline, ran off the left side of the road and struck a tree.
The driver was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 4:50 a.m. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt.
Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in this crash.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner's inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Police ask anyone with information about the case to call Officer Robert Pauole at 808-961-8119.
This is the 37th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 33 at this time last year.
