A 16-year-old male remains in critical condition following a motor vehicle/pedestrian collision that occurred at 10:24 p.m. Friday evening, January 5, 2024, on Kapiolani Street, between Mohouli Street and West Lanikaula Street, in Hilo.
An 18-year veteran of the Hawai‘i Police Department was on-duty operating a marked Hawai‘i Police Department 2008 Ford four-door sedan, when it struck the minor who was wearing dark clothing and who was walking in the middle of the roadway and not in a marked crosswalk. The vehicle was not operating in an emergency response mode and did have the blue pilot light illuminated. At the time of the collision there was minimal lighting in the area and it was raining.
The minor was transported to Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment of head injuries, and remains in critical condition.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe that speed was not a factor in the crash.
A negligent injury investigation has been initiated and the officer, who was not injured, has been placed on administrative leave pending investigation which is standard procedure. The Office of Professional Standards has initiated an internal inquiry as a result of the collision.
If anyone has information regarding this collision they may contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.