WAIMANALO — The driver of a sport utility vehicle that struck and killed a 15-year-old moped rider early yesterday was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant and has two prior DUI convictions.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner's office identified the victim as Junior Ilae of Waimanalo.

The accident happened at 1:55 a.m. on Kalaniana'ole Highway.

According to the Honolulu Police Department, Ilae was in the shoulder lane of the west-bound side of the highway when he was hit by the SUV as it turned right into the Waimanalo Town Center.

Ilae was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

Police arrested Dwayne K. Canon, 47, of Waimanalo. He was booked at the Kailua police substation on suspicion of negligent homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and driving with a suspended license. He was transferred to the main police station on Beretania Street and released pending investigation.

Criminal Justice Data Center records show that Canon was found guilty of driving under the influence of an intoxicant in 1989 and 1982.

Ilae was a student at Kailua High School. Friends described him as a popular student who liked to ride his moped and hang out with his friends.

"I saw him yesterday on his bike," one youth said. "He was just a cool, friendly guy."

Ilae's family at their Inoaole Street residence said they were too grieved to make any comment and asked the news media to respect their privacy.

Police said speed may have been a factor for the moped.

Ilae's death was O'ahu's 34th traffic fatality in 2009, compared with 27 at the same time last year.