Kea’au, HI – Hawai’i Island Police have identified the victim of a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred in Kea’au on Monday, March 31, 2025, as 45-year-old Renoo Gilbert of Kea’au.
Police responded to a call at 9:34 p.m. reporting the incident, which occurred at the intersection of Maku’u Drive and Ala Heiau Road in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision. Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2018 Nissan Sentra, driven by Gilbert, was traveling east on Maku’u Drive and failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection. The vehicle continued east, ultimately striking a rock wall.
Gilbert, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was found unresponsive at the scene. She was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at 11:34 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit is conducting an ongoing investigation into the crash. Authorities currently believe that alcohol, inattention, and failure to wear a seatbelt were contributing factors in the collision.
A coroner’s inquest has been initiated. Police are urging anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This tragic incident marks the 9th traffic fatality on Hawai’i Island in 2025, a significant increase compared to the 5 fatalities reported during the same period last year.