Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that 25 year-old Sienna Tavares-Brown was arrested and charged in relation to a traffic collision involving a pedestrian that occurred on April 13, 2024 on E. Kawili Street in Hilo. According to police reports, Tavares-Brown is alleged to have stuck a pedestrian while operating her vehicle and left the scene without rendering aid. The pedestrian later died from his injuries. Tavares-Brown’s blood alcohol concentration is alleged to have been more than three times the legal limit.
Tavares-Brown made her initial appearance in Hilo District Court on Tuesday afternoon. Her bail was maintained at $158,000.00 and she was ordered to appear for a preliminary hearing on April 18, 2024.
As the Complaint alleges, Tavares-Brown is charged with Negligent Homicide in the First Degree, Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant, Accidents Involving Death or Serious Bodily Injury, Accidents Involving Damage to Vehicle or Property, Operating a Vehicle After License and Privilege have been Suspended or Revoked for Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant, Reckless Endangering in the Second Degree, and Child Passenger Restraints.
Negligent Homicide in the First Degree is a class A felony offense which carries a penalty of a twenty-year prison term. However, Prosecutors have provided notice to seek an extended term of imprisonment under “Kaulana’s law.” Kaulana’s law, named after Kaulana Werner who was struck and killed by a drunk driver in a 2016 Nanakuli hit-and-run, authorizes the court to impose an extended term of imprisonment for an offender who is convicted of Negligent Homicide in the First Degree and did not remain at the scene of the crime and render reasonable assistance to an injured person. An extended term of imprisonment for a class A felony is life in prison.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was initiated by South Hilo Patrol. The felony investigation was led by Officer Jerome Duarte, Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit, and assisted by members of the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Herbert Mukai.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
