On a recent evening in Pāpa‘ikou, a traffic incident left a community member fighting for her life, and local authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the event. Hawaii Island police are leading the investigation following a collision on Friday. According to a Nixle report, a 48-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle while using a marked crosswalk. The accident occurred around 7:59 p.m. along Highway 19 at its intersection with Mill Road.
The vehicle involved, identified as a 2018 Honda HR-V, was driven by a 55-year-old Hilo man who was heading southbound at the time of the accident, the pedestrian, a resident of Pāpa‘ikou, was walking alongside a male companion who fortunately escaped the incident unharmed – neither the male pedestrian nor the Honda's driver reported any injuries. Emergency responders transported the critically injured woman to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for immediate care, and plans are underway for her transfer to Queens Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment.
This unfortunate traffic mishap is currently being investigated by the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit as a case of negligent injury, as of now, authorities have ruled out speed, alcohol, and drugs as contributing factors in their ongoing inquiry. In their search for clarity and closure, they urge those who may have witnessed the event or have relevant information to reach out to Officer Johnathan Rapoza via phone at (808) 961-2339 or by emailing [email protected], individuals who wish to provide information while remaining anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300, as community help can be instrumental in such investigations.
