Naalehu woman, 19, killed in Ka‘u crash

KAILUA-KONA — A 19-year-old Naalehu woman is dead following a one-car crash Thursday night in Ka‘u.

The victim was identified as Brittney Perry, according to the Hawaii Police Department.

Perry was driving a northbound 2002 silver Honda Accord sedan when the vehicle veered off the roadway into the gravel shoulder and then struck a utility-pole head-on, according to police. The crash, reported at 11:48 p.m., occurred near mile marker 58 on Highway 11, in the vicinity of Kawa Flats.

The teen was the lone occupant of the sedan, police said. She was found unresponsive and pinned within the vehicle.

She was later transported to Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 4:03 a.m. Friday, according to police.

Police said inattention may have played a role in the crash. It is not immediately known if alcohol or drugs were a factor.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229.

This is the 23rd traffic fatality on Hawaii Island public roads this year compared with 26 at this time last year.