A late-night collision on Hawaii Island killed a passenger and left two drivers hospitalized, pushing the island’s reported traffic-fatality count to 19 this year. The crash unfolded early Saturday in Kaʻū, where police say speed and alcohol may have contributed.
The collision happened around 12:50 a.m. near mile marker 76 on Highway 11. According to Hawaii News Now, dispatchers first received an automated iPhone crash alert, followed by several 911 calls.
Police said a Toyota Highlander was turning onto the eastbound lane from Kohala Boulevard when an eastbound Toyota Tacoma approached at a high speed. The Tacoma appeared to swerve into the westbound lane to avoid the SUV, struck it, and then both vehicles hit a guardrail, causing the Tacoma to overturn several times.
Stephanie Ann Mello, a 51-year-old passenger in the Tacoma, was ejected and later pronounced dead at Kona Community Hospital, Hawaii News Now reported. The Tacoma driver, a 52-year-old man, and the Highlander driver, a 60-year-old woman, were hospitalized in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police Open Negligent Homicide Investigation
Police said the Tacoma’s occupants were not wearing seat belts, while speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors. The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has opened a negligent homicide investigation, and no charges were announced in the initial report.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, extension 3229. Police were counting the death as Hawaii Island’s 19th traffic fatality of 2026, compared with 17 at the same point last year.
Deadly Crash Count Has Drawn County Attention
The latest death comes after Hawaii County officials raised alarms in May over a cluster of fatal collisions. In a statement from the County of Hawaiʻi, Mayor Kimo Alameda asked the state for help with enforcement, road engineering and safety messaging after officials counted 13 island traffic deaths, including eight within two weeks.
For investigators, the Kaʻū crash now centers on the Tacoma’s speed, possible impairment and the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s lane movement. The case remains active as police seek witnesses and work to determine whether criminal charges will follow.
