Hawi woman killed in South Kohala crash

Subscribe Now Choose a package that suits your preferences.
Start Free Account Get access to 7 premium stories every month for FREE!
Already a Subscriber? Current print subscriber? Activate your complimentary Digital account.

A 25-year-old woman is dead following a high-speed crash that fire officials say launched her car 50 yards before landing in a storage building at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii.

A 25-year-old woman is dead following a high-speed crash that fire officials say launched her car 50 yards before landing in a storage building at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii.

The woman, identified by the Hawaii Police Department as a resident of Hawi, was apparently headed westbound on North Kaniku Drive when she ran off the right side of the road and crashed into a banquet storage building shortly before 8 p.m. Tuesday. She was driving a 2006 Toyota four-door sedan.

Police have not released the woman’s identity pending positive identification and notification of the next of kin.

The woman was pinned in the vehicle with no signs of life upon the arrival of fire rescue personnel, according to the fire department. Personnel used the Jaws of Life to extricate her before she was transported to Kona Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 11:48 p.m.

No one was within the storage building at the time, according to the fire department. No other injuries were reported.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Police noted speed was involved in the crash, but it is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a role.