A 23-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died following a two-vehicle collision that occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, May 9, 2022, approximately .3 miles north of the 76-mile marker on the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway in South Kohala.
The woman has been positively identified as Erica Shay Pukana Aloha Camacho-Paishon.
Responding to a 1:55 a.m. call, police determined that a black 2017 Toyota 4Runner rear-ended a white 2018 Isuzu Box truck heading south on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway that was operated by a 70-year-old Kamuela man. After the Toyota 4Runner struck the Isuzu box truck, the Toyota 4Runner then went off the west (makai) shoulder and struck a lava embankment. The driver of the Isuzu box truck was not injured in the collision.
Police believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Camacho-Paishon was transported to Kona Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 5:53 a.m.
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 Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 15th traffic fatality this year compared to eight at this time last year.