An early morning drive over Pali Highway turned tragic Thursday when a 16-year-old girl died in a crash, according to Honolulu Emergency Medical Services. Paramedics responded to the scene at about 6 a.m., found the teenager unresponsive and pronounced her dead at the scene, while Honolulu police said the collision is under investigation.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that crews responded to the crash at about 6 a.m. and pronounced the teen dead at the scene. The brief dispatch noted that no other injuries were reported and that officials released few details as investigators worked to determine what happened.
Safety work on the Pali
The Pali Highway has already been under the microscope this year for safety upgrades and enforcement. The Honolulu Police Department singled out the corridor in its Safer Roads, Together 2026 campaign, which pairs targeted enforcement with outreach and engineering changes, according to the Honolulu Police Department. As part of broader efforts to slow drivers, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation announced an alternating single-lane closure to install a speed table near the Wyllie Street on-ramp on the Kailua-bound side of Pali Highway, per the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.
Officials urge caution
In public comments tied to the Safer Roads campaign, Interim Chief of Police Rade Vanic stressed that “Traffic deaths are preventable,” while Honolulu EMS Acting Chief Kenneth Faria said crews “see firsthand the devastating consequences of preventable crashes.” Both agencies urged drivers to slow down, stay off their phones and follow posted speed limits as the investigation into Thursday’s collision continues.
How to help
Anyone who witnessed the crash or captured video is urged to contact the Honolulu Police Department's Traffic Division. The HPD traffic page lists the non-emergency number, 808-529-3111, along with details for submitting tips, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Authorities have not released the girl’s name pending family notification and said they will provide updates as they become available.
