Woman Killed In Pedestrian Traffic Collision in Hilo

Hawai‘i Island police have launched a negligent homicide investigation after a female pedestrian died following a motor vehicle/pedestrian collision on Thursday evening, Oct. 22, 2026, in Hilo.

Responding to a traffic collision at 7:15 p.m. at the intersection of Kanoelehua Avenue and East Kahaopea Street, police learned that a 2023 Kia four-door sedan was traveling Hilo bound on Kanoelehua Avenue when the vehicle struck a female pedestrian. The woman was initially reported to be crossing the road and was not in a marked crosswalk.

The pedestrian was unresponsive at the scene and pronounced deceased at 7:25 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld at this time pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

The driver of the 2023 Kia four-door sedan, a 39-year-old Pāhoa man, was not injured as a result of the collision.

The Area I (East Hawai‘i) Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police do not believe that speed and inattention were factors in the crash.

Police ask that anyone who has information regarding this collision to please contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 28^th traffic fatality of 2026 compared to 17 traffic fatalities this same time last year.