MEDIA RELEASE

A 21-year-old Pāhoa woman died following a two-vehicle crash Thursday morning (December 15) in Keaʻau.

She was identified as Nicole Kahoopii.

Responding to a 6:38 a.m. call, police determined that a 2008 GMC sports-utility vehicle was traveling Pāhoa-bound on Highway 130 at the Shower Drive/Pōhaku Drive intersection when it broadsided a 2013 Buick sedan that was being driven by Kahoopii and turning Keaʻau-bound from Pōhaku Drive.

Kahoopii was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 9:09 a.m.

The driver of the SUV, a 35-year-old Pāhoa man, was taken to Hilo Medical Center in stable condition for treatment of his injuries. He was later released.

The front-seat passenger of the SUV, a 67-year-old Pāhoa woman, was taken to Hilo Medical Center in stable condition for treatment of her injuries.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police do not believe that alcohol, drugs or speed were factors in this crash.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Keith Nacis at 961-8119. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island wide Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.

This is the 31st traffic fatality this year compared with 17 at this time last year.