Hawaii's Big Island community is reeling after a tragic collision on Daniel K. Inouye Highway claimed the life of one woman and left several others, including a newborn baby, in a serious condition. Law enforcement officials and emergency responders attended the scene near the 25-mile marker following reports of a head-on crash at approximately 4:34 p.m., Thursday, as confirmed by Hawai‘i Police Department.
A 2022 Toyota pickup, driven by 43-year-old Kimo Medeiros, was overtaking vehicles on the eastbound lane before it collided with a 2014 Subaru traveling in the opposite direction, the impact from said collision being severe enough to cause critical injuries; a 47-year-old Anina Masaichy from Kailua-Kona, who was seated in the Subaru's backseat, was found unresponsive at the scene and later declared dead at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. In addition to the tragedy, a three-week-old infant and a four-year-old boy from within the Subaru were promptly medevaced to Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Children on Oahu for specialized care.
The suspect, Medeiros, faces a slew of charges, including suspicion of DUI, first-degree negligent homicide, and multiple counts of negligent injury, alongside reckless driving and operating a vehicle without a license, details that highlight the severity of the incident and his alleged reckless abandon. As he remains in a serious condition at Queen’s Medical Center, authorities cite speed, alcohol, and possible drug use as contributing factors in the crash – he was transported there after receiving initial treatment at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.
Prioritizing community safety and seeking justice, area law enforcement is fervently pursuing the investigation; Officer Laurence Davis from the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit urges anyone with information to get in touch either by phone or through email, their ongoing efforts underscore the gravity of road safety, and this incident marks the 19th traffic fatality in 2025, a grim tally that nonetheless stands lower than the previous year's count by this time the statement, as per the Hawai‘i Police Department report.
