Christmas Eve on Saddle Road turned deadly when a pickup allegedly crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a convertible, killing the other driver and landing a Hilo woman in police custody on suspicion of negligent homicide and drunk driving.
Crash details
According to the Hawai‘i Police Department, officers were called out at 7:28 p.m. Wednesday for a two-vehicle collision near the 13-mile marker on Daniel K. Inouye Highway. Investigators say a 2020 Toyota Tacoma heading toward Hilo crossed the center line and hit a westbound 2025 Mazda two-door convertible head-on.
The Mazda’s driver was found unresponsive at the scene, then taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center and pronounced dead at 7:59 p.m., the department said. An autopsy has been ordered.
Arrest and charges
Hawaii News Now reports that the Tacoma’s operator, a 34-year-old Hilo woman identified by police as Caitlin Smith, suffered minor injuries and was treated at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. After she was released, police arrested her on suspicion of first-degree negligent homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, and reckless driving.
Smith remains in custody as the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit continues its investigation, according to the outlet.
What police say about causes
Big Island Now reports that investigators believe speed, alcohol and/or drugs, and reckless driving were the primary factors in the crash. The outlet also notes that this collision is the 21st traffic fatality on Hawaii Island this year, compared with 28 at the same point last year.
Saddle Road's recent crashes
October head-on collision coverage and other reports detailed a separate crash near the 25-mile marker that killed a woman and injured other passengers, including an infant. That wreck and others this year have repeatedly shut down stretches of Daniel K. Inouye Highway and have renewed calls from residents for extra caution on Saddle Road.
Legal outlook
Police have opened a first-degree negligent homicide case. Under Hawaii law (HRS 707-702.5, see Justia), negligent homicide in the first degree can be charged as a class B felony and may be elevated in certain aggravated circumstances.
The state’s rules on operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant are laid out in HRS 291E-61, detailed at Justia, which defines OVUII and the possible penalties.
How to help
According to the Hawai‘i Police Department, anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or [email protected], or call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing the investigation under Report No. 25-116121.
