A late night crossing on Kamehameha Highway in Pearl City turned terrifying Sunday when a 41-year-old man was struck in a marked crosswalk and the driver took off, leaving him critically hurt and lying in the road, according to Honolulu police.
Hawaii News Now reports the collision happened at about 10:55 p.m. An unidentified motorist heading eastbound on Kamehameha Highway made a left turn onto Puu Momi Street and hit the man as he crossed north in the marked crosswalk, the outlet says. The driver did not stop to help or leave any information, and emergency medical services rushed the victim to a nearby hospital in serious condition.
HPD Seeks Witnesses
The Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division has classified the case as a “Serious Hit & Run Motor Vehicle Collision” and says investigators are actively chasing leads. Detectives are looking for anyone who saw the crash or has dash-cam footage from the area around the time of the incident.
Tipsters are urged to call the HPD Traffic Division at (808) 723-3413. The Honolulu Police Department also highlights that its traffic information resources can help guide witnesses on how to share video and other details with investigators.
Rising Road Deaths Put Spotlight on Pedestrian Safety
The hit-and-run comes as Hawaiʻi wrestles with a broader traffic safety crisis. Road deaths jumped in 2025, with pedestrian fatalities and motorcycle crashes pushing the statewide toll to its highest point since 2007, according to a data analysis by Civil Beat.
Federal and state safety strategies, including Hawaiʻi’s FY 2024 to 2026 highway safety plan from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, call out nighttime pedestrian risks and focus on cracking down on distracted driving, speeding and impairment, which are flagged as major factors in serious crashes.
Legal Consequences for Fleeing Drivers
State law is clear about what drivers have to do when a crash causes serious bodily injury. Hawaiʻi traffic statutes require motorists to stop, stay at the scene and provide aid. Leaving instead can bring felony charges. The section of the code that addresses collisions involving death or serious injury spells out both the duty to remain on scene and the potential criminal exposure for anyone who flees.
The investigation into Sunday night’s hit-and-run is still active, and police say even small details can help them track down the vehicle and its driver. HPD is asking witnesses to contact the Traffic Division at (808) 723-3413 or use the department’s online resources to submit information and video.
