Police Investigating Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash in Pāhala

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle collision in Pāhala that claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy on Thursday evening, September 4, 2025.

The teen has been identified as Kainui Kaupu-Manini of Pāhala.

At 5:55 p.m., police responded to a reported crash on Cane Haul Road. Their investigation determined that a blue 2006 Honda Civic, operated by the teen, was traveling east when it left the roadway, went down an embankment, and struck a large tree.

A 15-year-old male passenger was also in the vehicle but was not injured. Police confirmed that neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

The teen driver was transported to Ka‘ū Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:33 p.m.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation. Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at ansel.robinson@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 16th traffic fatality this year compared to 22 at this time last year.