A nighttime walk along Old Kona Airport Road turned deadly for a pedestrian who was hit by a pickup, flown to Oʻahu, and later died, prompting police to upgrade the case to second-degree negligent homicide. The collision happened on the evening of Saturday, May 30, and the man died on Thursday, June 4 after being transported for treatment. Investigators say speed, alcohol and inattention all played a role, and the driver was arrested at the scene.
What police say
In a news release, the Hawai‘i Police Department said a white 2017 Toyota Tacoma was traveling southbound toward Kona when it left the paved portion of Old Kona Airport Road, crossed onto an unfinished gravel section and hit a man who was walking on the unpaved runway area. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Janne Labin of Kailua-Kona, was arrested on May 30 on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence, first-degree negligent injury and reckless driving. Detectives have since reclassified the investigation as second-degree negligent homicide, and police say additional charges could follow as the case develops, according to the Hawai‘i Police Department.
Medical response and victim status
Emergency responders took the pedestrian to Kona Community Hospital, where he was stabilized before being airlifted to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oʻahu for further care. Hospital staff later informed investigators that the man died on June 4, and an autopsy has been ordered to confirm the exact cause of death. Authorities are holding back his name until they can make a positive identification and notify his family. Police have asked anyone who saw the crash or who may have recorded it on dash cam or cell phone to come forward, as reported by Hawaii News Now.
Charges and legal next steps
After consulting with the Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney, investigators charged Labin on June 1 with operating a vehicle under the influence, first-degree negligent injury and reckless driving. His bail was set at $13,000, which he posted following his initial court appearance on June 2, according to the department. Once the pedestrian died, police upgraded the case to negligent homicide in the second degree and said detectives are still gathering statements and physical evidence. The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit remains in charge of the investigation and is again asking anyone with information to contact them, per the Hawai‘i Police Department release.
What the charge means
Under Hawaii law, second-degree negligent homicide applies when someone causes another person’s death through the negligent operation of a vehicle. The offense is set out in Hawaii Legislature records as a class C felony. Sentencing for class C felonies in Hawaii, the category that covers second-degree negligent homicide, generally allows for a maximum prison term of up to five years, although the actual sentence can depend on factors such as enhancements and any prior criminal history, according to Laws.com. Prosecutors will still have to prove in court that the driver’s negligent operation of the vehicle directly caused the pedestrian’s death in order to secure a conviction on the upgraded charge.
How to help
Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or who might have dash-cam or cell phone video of the incident to contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or by email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can also be shared with Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300, as reported by Hawaii News Now.
