Updated at 7:13 p.m., Monday, January 28, 2008
Speed, alcohol factors in 2 fatal Big Island crashes
Advertiser Staff
A Kea'au man and Kona woman died today from injuries suffered last night in separate Big Island car crashes in which speed and alcohol were apparent factors, according to police.Traffic Enforcement Unit investigators identified the victims as David H. Young, 25, of Kea'au, who died at 6:08 a.m. at Hilo Medical Center, and Danyea L. Kuanoni, 33, of Holualoa, who was pronounced dead at 8:06 a.m. at The Queen's Medical Center after being transported to Honolulu from Kona Community Hospital.
Young was a passenger in a speeding 1995 Honda four-door sedan which crashed on Kalaniana'ole Street near Kolea Street at 11:30 p.m. According to investigators, the car failed to negotiate a curve in the road, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole.
Nivan N. Agres, 23, of Hilo, was arrested for negligent homicide, operating a vehicle under the Influence of an intoxicant, driving with a license that was suspended/revoked for DUI and having no auto insurance, police said.
Agres was taken to Hilo Medical Center with undisclosed injuries, police said.
Kuanoni was injured in a crash on old Mamalahoa Highway (Route 180) in the area of the 2-mile marker at 7:46 p.m., police said.
Kuanoni was driving a 1991 Honda sedan north on old Mamalahoa Highway when she crossed the center line and ran off the left side of the road.
Police said Young, Agres and Kuanoni were not wearing seat belts.
The deaths raised to three the Big Island's traffic fatality for 2008. The current statewide fatality total stands at 10: four on O'ahu, two on Kaua'i and one on Maui in addition to the Big Island fatals.
