KAILUA-KONA — A 20-year-old Paauilo woman died following a two-car crash Monday night on Akoni Pule Highway in North Kohala.
KAILUA-KONA — A 20-year-old Paauilo woman died following a two-car crash Monday night on Akoni Pule Highway in North Kohala.
The victim was identified Tuesday morning by the Hawaii Police Department as Makaylyn Kalani.
Responding to an 8:40 p.m. call, police determined that Kalani was driving northbound a 2008 Honda four-door sedan when she crossed the center of the roadway and collided head-on with a southbound 2009 Toyota pickup truck near mile marker 13.
Akoni Pule, which travels between Kawaihae to its terminus at Pololu Valley, is also known as Highway 270. Mile marker 13 is located in the vicinity of Lapakahi State Historical Park.
The occupants of the Toyota, a 24-year-old man and a 19-year-old women, both of Kohala, were taken to the North Hawaii Community Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
Kalani was taken to the Kona Community Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 1:23 a.m. Tuesday.
Police believe speed and inattention were factors in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash should call Officer Christopher Kapua-Allison at 326-4646, ext. 229. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo.
This is the seventh traffic fatality this year compared to five at this time last year.