A late-night moped ride in Waikiki turned violent Thursday when a car slammed into a two-person moped, hurled both riders onto the pavement and kept going, according to police. The crash happened around 10:44 p.m. near the intersection of Kuhio Avenue and Nahua Street. A 42-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.
What police say
According to the Honolulu Police Department, the 42-year-old motorist was heading east on Kuhio Avenue when he turned left onto Nahua Street and struck a 24-year-old woman who was operating the moped and her 25-year-old passenger.
The impact ejected both riders onto the roadway. Police say the operator was taken to an area hospital in serious condition, while the passenger refused treatment at the scene. Investigators say the driver did not stop to help and was later found and arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. HPD reports that alcohol appears to be a contributing factor, while speed does not appear to be.
Not an isolated problem
Crashes involving mopeds have been a recurring safety concern on Oʻahu this spring. Hawaii News Now recently reported a moped rider critically injured in a Makiki crash, underscoring a spate of serious collisions.
State traffic data show that while moped fatalities remain relatively low, nonfatal but serious incidents keep surfacing, according to the Hawaii Department of Transportation fatality breakdown.
Charges and what they could mean
An arrest for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant can trigger both administrative and criminal processes under Hawaii law. The Hawaii Judiciary notes that the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office typically processes review decisions within days. A conviction can lead to license revocation, ignition-interlock requirements, fines and, in some cases, short jail terms.
Investigation ongoing
Honolulu police say the investigation is active and are asking anyone with information to contact the Traffic Division. The initial account of the collision was reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, and the department's traffic page lists the case details, according to the Honolulu Police Department.
