Hawaii Island police have publicly identified the pedestrian killed in a late Friday hit-and-run on Highway 130 as 66-year-old Daniel Marcos of Keaʻau. Investigators say Marcos was struck multiple times and left in the roadway while one or more vehicles fled the scene, and they have opened a negligent homicide investigation.
Investigation underway
Officers responded around 10:50 p.m. after reports of a person lying in the roadway near Orchidland Drive and found Marcos unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at 11:03 p.m. Investigators believe he may have been attempting to cross Highway 130 outside a marked crosswalk when he was struck, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is working to identify the involved drivers. Per Hawai‘i Police Department, failing to render aid in a fatal collision can carry criminal penalties.
Victim identified
Police released the victim's name Wednesday, identifying him as Daniel Marcos, 66, of Keaʻau. As reported by Hawaii News Now, the vehicles that struck him left the area in an unknown direction, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Legal consequences
Hawaii law requires drivers involved in collisions that injure or kill someone to stop, provide identifying information, and render reasonable assistance. The duty is spelled out in HRS §291C-14, which describes the obligations drivers have at crash scenes.
How to help
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has video is asked to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or [email protected]. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. Per Hawai‘i Police Department, timely tips and footage can be crucial to identifying the vehicles involved.
Traffic safety context
This was the third traffic fatality within a 12-hour span on Friday and the 12th traffic death on Hawaii Island so far this year, matching the count at the same time last year. As Hawaii News Now notes, police continue to urge motorists to drive attentively and watch for pedestrians on island roadways.
