A pedestrian was killed in South Kona just minutes after midnight, marking the start of 2025. The victim, identified as 52-year-old Jelson Kainue Leslie of Captain Cook, was reportedly setting off fireworks in celebration when the incident occurred.
According to local authorities, at 12:02 a.m. yesterday police were dispatched to the scene of the collision in the 82-1000 block of Kinue Road. A white 2018 Honda Accord, driven by 23-year-old Kelly Kaikili Losalio, also of Captain Cook, had struck Leslie and subsequently a parked vehicle. Leslie was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead at 1:00 a.m.
The new year began with the first traffic fatality of 2025, in contrast to no fatalities at the same time last year. Losalio has been arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OVUII) and negligent homicide. He is currently being held at the Kealakehe Police Station.
Preliminary investigations by the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit suggest that both speed and impairment may have been contributing factors to the fatal accident. The police are actively seeking witnesses and have requested that anyone with information contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229. Tips can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
