The man charged with striking a moped, killing the driver, and fleeing will go to trial this summer.
Jose Guadalupe-Rodriguez, 22, of Ocean View, appeared in the court of Judge Glen Hara in Hilo Tuesday on charges of first-degree negligent homicide, manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Guadalupe-Rodriguez pleaded not guilty and is slated to go to jury trial Aug. 23 before Judge Ronald Ibarra in Kona. Hara maintained bond at $75,000.
Ling Oniel, 29, also of Ocean View, was driving a black moped on the night of Jan. 20 along Kona Drive at the intersection with Paradise Parkway. Police said a sedan failed to yield to Oniel and struck his moped, then fled the scene.
Initially, another Ocean View resident was also arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident involving death or serious injury, however, the text of the law specifies that the person charged must be the driver.