A 23-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died following a two-vehicle collision early Monday on Queen Kaahumanu Highway in South Kohala.
A 23-year-old Kailua-Kona woman died following a two-vehicle collision early Monday on Queen Kaahumanu Highway in South Kohala.
The Hawaii Police Department Monday afternoon identified the woman as Erica Shay Pukana Aloha Camacho-Paishon.
Responding to a 1:55 a.m. call, police determined that a black 2017 Toyota 4Runner driven by Camacho-Paishon rear ended a white 2018 Isuzu Box truck heading south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway about 0.3 miles north of mile marker 76.
After the Toyota 4Runner struck the Isuzu box truck, the Toyota 4Runner then went off the west (makai) shoulder and struck a lava embankment. The driver of the Isuzu box truck, a 70-year-old Waimea man, was uninjured.
Police believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Camacho-Paishon was transported to Kona Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 5:53 a.m.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash should contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 15th traffic fatality this year on Big Island public roads this year compared to eight at this time last year.
