A 63-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died following a two vehicle collision that occurred on Thursday (July 14, 2022) at the intersection of Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 190) and Akina Place which is located in North Kona.
The 63-year-old female operator has been positively identified as Rhonda Dee Freedman.
Responding to a 9:18 p.m. call, police determined that a white 2019 Nissan Rogue that was operated by a 19-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was heading south on Mamalahoa Highway when he crossed over the double solid yellow lines and struck a white 2018 Nissan Versa head on. The Nissan Versa was operated by the 63-year-old female.
The 19-year-old male driver of the Nissan Rogue and his 17-year-old female passenger were not injured in the collision. The 63-year-old female operator of the Nissan Versa was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where she later died. She was pronounced dead at 10:51 p.m.
Police have arrested the 19-year-old male on suspicion of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant, Negligent Homicide, Reckless Endangering and Reckless Driving. He is being held at the Kealakehe Police Station while the investigation continues.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
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 Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229 or email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo.
This is the 22nd traffic fatality this year compared to 12 at this time last year.