June 28, 2008 – Puna Traffic Fatality
A 20-year-old Pahoa man died on Saturday, June 28th of injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Kahakai Boulevard and Opelu Street in Hawaiian Beaches.
The victim was identified as Jonathan W. Tripp-Andrade of Pahoa.
Puna patrol officers responded to a 6:31 p.m. call and determined that the victim was operating a 1989 Honda 2-door sedan traveling northeasterly on Kahakai Boulevard when he collided with a 2008 Chrysler multi-purpose vehicle turning left from Kahakai Boulevard onto Opelu Street.
The Chrysler was driven by a 54-year-old California woman. She and her passengers, a 72-year-old woman and two boys, ages 13 and 15, were not injured.
Police believe that speeding was a factor in the crash. Traffic Enforcement Unit officers initatied a negligent homicide investigation and ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Clarence Davies at 961-8118.
This is the thirteenth traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared with sixteen traffic fatalities at this time last year.
From HCPD Report No. C08019975 http://www.hawaiipolice.com/archives/Archive2008/jun08/puna_fatality_06-28-08.html
