Kona, HI – Garrett A. Duran, a 35-year-old resident of Kona, has been sentenced to a ten-year prison term following a tragic traffic collision that resulted in the death of pedestrian Christian Lipka. The sentencing was announced by Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen, marking a significant decision in a case that has captured the community’s attention.
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of July 22, 2024, near the intersection of Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway and Kimo Drive. Duran was operating a Subaru Forester when he struck Lipka, who was walking alongside the roadway at the time. Reports indicate that Duran’s vehicle sustained heavy front-end damage, a cracked windshield, and had all airbags deployed. Lipka suffered severe traumatic injuries, including multiple broken bones, lacerations, a lacerated spleen, and critical injuries to the neck. After the collision, Duran fled the scene on foot but was apprehended shortly thereafter on Kanalani Street. A blood draw search warrant revealed that he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.132, exceeding the legal limit.
On November 22, 2024, Duran pleaded guilty to charges of Negligent Homicide in the First Degree, Accidents Involving Death or Serious Bodily Injury, and Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant. Both Negligent Homicide and Accidents Involving Death or Serious Bodily Injury are classified as class B felonies, which could lead to a ten-year prison term or up to four years of probation and 18 months in jail. The petty misdemeanor charge of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant carries a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail.
Following the sentencing, Duran was immediately taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.
The case was investigated by Officers Rylan Fujii and Makena Naho‘oikaika of the Kona Patrol, with further investigation led by Officer Adam Roberg of the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit. The prosecution was managed by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Matt Woodward.
Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen expressed his condolences, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Christian Lipka and his ‘ohana. Impaired driving remains one of the greatest public safety concerns on Hawai‘i Island. Mahalo to our police, prosecutors, and victim advocates who sought justice for Christian and our Hawai‘i Island community.”
The case serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities.
