On Friday, September 3, 2021, at 10:34 p.m. officers, responding to the vehicle collision determined that Kahalioumi-Santos was driving a 2003 Acura RSX when she rear-ended a 2009 Hyundai Accent at the intersection, propelling that vehicle into a 2017 Chevy SUV.
The 40-year-old woman operating the Hyundai was transported to Hilo Medical Center and subsequently flown to Queens Medical Center on Oahu with critical injuries.
The operator of the Chevy SUV, a 66-year-old Kea‘au woman, was not injured in the incident.
Kahalioumi-Santos, who was not injured in the collision, was arrested at the scene for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, driving a vehicle with a suspended license, and not having car insurance. She was transported to Hilo police station as police continued the investigation. In the course of the investigation, police executed a search warrant on her vehicle and recovered liquor containers and marijuana from the vehicle she was driving.
After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Kahalioumi-Santos was charged on Saturday, September 4, with negligent injury in the first degree, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, no motor vehicle Insurance, reckless driving, inattention to driving, promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree, operating a vehicle after license suspended or revoked for OVUII, and consuming or possessing liquor while operating a vehicle. Her bail was set at $8,050. She was scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on Tuesday, September 7.
So far this year there have been 739 DUI arrests, an increase of 15.7 percent over the same time last year.
“Police are doing what they can to keep the roads safe but we need help,” said Sergeant Jeremy Riddle of the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit. “We are continuing to step up efforts to provide safe roads and make sure people drive safe. Police would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to please drive responsibly, wear your seatbelt, buckle up your children, and don’t take the chance of drinking and driving, it’s just not worth it.”
Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information regarding this incident to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or via email Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This story is related to an earlier release from the County of Hawai’i Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
