California Woman Killed in Kona Traffic Collision

by Thunda
1 minutes read

A 72-year-old female visitor died following a three-vehicle collision that occurred on Monday, May 2, 2022, near the intersection of Palani Road and Tomi Tomi Drive in North Kona.

The woman has been positively identified as Heserlina Emata of Milpitas, California.

Responding to a 12:18 p.m. call, police determined that a gray 2020 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, driven by a 37-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was heading north on Palani Road when it crossed the double solid yellow lines and side swiped a white 2004 Honda Accord traveling south that was operated by a 76-year-old Kailua-Kona woman. After sideswiping the Honda sedan, the pickup truck then struck a silver 2020 Chrysler Pacific van head on. The van, which was operated by a 58 year-old California man, contained five female passengers.

The driver of the Honda Accord was treated at the scene. The pickup truck driver, as well as the driver and all five passengers of the van were transported to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment. The 72-year-old female passenger of the Chrysler van later died on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, and was pronounced dead at 2:40 a.m.

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

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. 

This is the 13th traffic fatality this year compared to eight at this time last year.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

About Us

BigIslandThieves.com is not your parents’ news — and we’re proud of it. We’re an independent, community-powered media platform that brings raw, real, and relevant news and updates to the people of Hawaii.

 

Our content is powered by you, the community, because Hawaii deserves media that reflects its people, not just headlines.

This isn’t corporate news. This isn’t filtered press. This is Hawaii’s heartbeat — live, loud, and unfiltered.

Popular Seaches

Follow Us

Subscribe to Email Blast

Enter your email address to subscribe to an email blast and receive notifications of new posts by email.

©2025 Big Island Thieves Media, A Media Company – All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Ha Toa LLC
Big Island Thieves Media

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Privacy & Cookies Policy