A New Year’s celebration turned tragic in South Kona when a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle just minutes into 2025. The collision occurred on Kinue Road, a residential area near the Captain Cook police substation, shortly after midnight.
According to the Hawai‘i Police Department, 52-year-old Jelson Kainue Leslie of Captain Cook was setting up fireworks on the roadway when he was struck by a white 2018 Honda Accord traveling eastbound. The vehicle, driven by 23-year-old Kelly Kaikili Losalio of Captain Cook, then collided with a parked 1998 Chevrolet pickup truck.
Leslie was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:00 a.m.
Driver Arrested for Suspected DUI
Police arrested Losalio on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OVUII) and negligent homicide. Preliminary findings indicate that both speed and impairment were contributing factors in the crash. Losalio remains in custody at the Kealakehe Police Station as the investigation continues.
Police Seek Witnesses
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has opened a negligent homicide investigation and is asking anyone with information about the collision to come forward. Witnesses are encouraged to contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or via email at dayson.taniguchi@hawaiicounty.gov. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This marks the first traffic fatality on Hawai‘i Island in 2025, compared to none at this time last year.
