Pāpa’ikou, HI – Hawai‘i Island police are currently investigating a serious traffic incident that left a 48-year-old female pedestrian in critical condition following a collision in Pāpa’ikou on Friday evening.

Authorities responded to the scene of the accident at approximately 7:59 p.m. on Highway 19, where they found that a 2018 Honda HR-V, driven by a 55-year-old man from Hilo, had struck the female pedestrian while she was walking with a male companion in a marked crosswalk at the intersection of Highway 19 and Mill Road. The impact caused the woman to sustain life-threatening injuries, prompting immediate medical attention. She was subsequently transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center for urgent care and is expected to be later transferred to Queens Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment.

Fortunately, the male pedestrian who was walking alongside the injured woman was unharmed, as was the driver of the Honda HR-V.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has taken over the investigation, which has been categorized as a negligent injury case. Preliminary reports indicate that speed, alcohol, and drugs are not suspected factors in the collision.

Police are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to reach out to Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiicounty.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for the pedestrian’s recovery and is reminded of the importance of pedestrian safety in traffic zones.