An 18-year-old man charged with causing a collision last year in Waimanalo which killed two women had his initial appearance today at District Court.

Tyler Nainoa Duarte of Waimanalo is accused of two counts of first-degree negligent homicide and failure to render aid in an accident involving death or serious bodily injury. His preliminary hearing is scheduled Friday at District Court.

Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the Jan. 20, 2007 collision in which the 1997 Ford Explorer driven by Duarte struck a 1990 Honda Accord on Kalaniana'ole Highway at Inoa'ole Street, killing Michelle Benevedes, 39, and Racquel Akau, 38. Duarte was arrested after running from the scene of the collision.

Duarte's bail is $30,000.