An 18-year-old man was charged as an adult today in connection with a double-fatal collision last year in Waimanalo after Family Court waived its jurisdiction over him.

Prosecutors charged Tyler Duarte with two counts of first-degree negligent homicide and one count of failure to render aid resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The charges stem from a collision Jan. 20, 2007 on Kalaniana'ole Highway near Inoa'ole Street which killed Michelle Benevedes, 39, and Racquel Akau, 38.

Duarte is being held tonight at the main police cstation cellblock in lieu of $30,000 bail and will be taken to Circuit Court tomorrow.

Duarte allegedly was driving a speeding white 1997 Ford Explorer that collided with a 1990 Honda Accord driven by Benevedes which was turning onto Kalaniana'ole Highway from Inoa'ole Street at about 9:45 p.m. Duarte, who was then 17, and another boy, also 17 at the time, fled on foot but were captured by police on Inoa'ole Street.

The first-degree negligent homicide charge indicates the driver was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.