Man facing possible charges in Kawaihae crash

A Japanese national is facing possible charges of drunken driving, negligent injury and inattention to driving following a head-on collision Tuesday evening on Kawaihae Road in South Kohala.

The 45-year-old man, of Chiba, Japan, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, two counts first-degree negligent injury and inattention to driving following the 6:25 p.m. crash near Kawaihae Road’s intersection with Anekona Road, near mile marker 63, according to the Hawaii Police Department. He was later released pending investigation.

The man, whom West Hawaii Today is not identifying as charges have not been filed, was operating a westbound vehicle, in which his wife was a passenger, when he apparently crossed the centerline and struck head-on an eastbound vehicle driven by a 72-year-old Waimea man, she said.

Medics transported the woman, for whom a condition was not provided, and the two men, who were listed in critical condition, to North Hawaii Community Hospital. The police spokeswoman did not have an update on their conditions as of press time.

The crash closed Kawaihae Road near Anekona Road for about two hours while police and rescue crews were on the scene.