Hawaii -A 24-year-old man from Kula lost his life in a devastating crash involving a pedestrian on Maui on Thursday night.
According to Maui police, the incident occurred around 7:40 p.m. as a 1995 Chevrolet Camaro was traveling southward on the asphalt shoulder of Hana Highway, just north of Hansen Road in Kahului.
Tragically, the driver struck the man who was walking on the shoulder of the road. The impact resulted in fatal injuries, and the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver, identified as 71-year-old Ronald Hoilien, was taken into custody and charged with negligent homicide in the second degree. However, he was later released pending further investigation.
Upon investigation, officers discovered that Hoilien was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether speed, drugs, or alcohol played a role in the incident.
This incident marks the 12th traffic fatality in Maui County for the year 2023, a comparison to the 15 recorded at the same time last year. At present, the victim's identity has not been publicly disclosed. The community grieves the loss of this young life and awaits further details as the investigation continues.