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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 4:18 p.m., Sunday, February 24, 2008

Man killed in Kauai head-on collision

Advertiser Staff

A Kekaha man was killed last night in a head-on traffic collision on Kaumuali'i Highway near 'Ele'ele Shopping Center.

Roman Cruz, 67, died at the scene, police said.

The collision between mile markers 15 and 16 was reported at 11:25 p.m. and forced the closure of the highway until 3:45 a.m. today, said county spokeswoman Mary Daubert.

Cruz was driving west on Kaumuali'i Highway when his Acura was struck by a Chevy Nova which crossed the centerline, according to a police preliminary report.

The 18-year-old male driver of the Nova and a passenger, 17, were taken to Kaua'i Veterans Memorial Hospital were they are listewd in stable and fair condition, respectively.

Police said speed and alcohol may be contributing factors in the crash.

The death is Kaua'i's fourth traffic fatality in 2008.

Twenty-one people in Hawai'i have been killed in 21 traffic accidents in the first 55 days of 2008.

The statewide fatality breakdown compiled by The Advertiser as of 4 p.m. today:

  • O'ahu (7) — Pedestrian (3), vehicle (3), moped (1).

  • Big Island (7) — Vehicle (5), pedestrian (1), motorcycle (1).

  • Kaua'i (4) — Vehicle (3), pedestrian (1).

  • Maui (3) — Vehicle (2), motorcycle (1).