Pedestrian critically injured in South Kona hit-and-run

A 24-year-old Captain Cook man suffered critical injuries following a hit-and-run collision Saturday evening on Highway 11 near the 110-mile marker in South Kona in the area of Arthur Greenwell Park.

Police have not released the man’s identity to the public, as of yet.

Officers responding to a 8:46 p.m. call determined that a vehicle heading in the Ka‘u direction struck the pedestrian, who was walking south across the highway in the southbound lane. The driver then fled the scene and failed to render aid to the victim.

The victim, who wasn’t in a marked crosswalk when struck, was taken to Kona Community Hospital where, as of Sunday, he was listed in critical condition.

Investigators determined that there was only one responsible vehicle in the collision. Officers located debris from a 2002 or 2003 Ford F-150 pickup truck, possibly a Harley-Davidson edition. A witness at the scene described the Ford pickup truck light colored, possibly silver, having a lift kit with oversized tires and a tool box in the bed.

Police said its possible the collision was captured on video surveillance.

Failure to render aid to person seriously injured or killed in a traffic collision is a Class B felony punishable, upon conviction, by up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.

Police are asking residents and businesses in the area to review their surveillance videos for any vehicle matching the above description during the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday.

The vehicle would have sustained damage to the driver’s side front fender, headlight and bumper.

A negligent injury investigation is underway and police are asking potential witnesses to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov.

Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.