One man killed, two injured in DKI crash
One man died and two others were injured in a single-vehicle traffic collision late Thursday night at the 18-mile marker on Daniel K. Inouye Highway.
Police officers responding to a traffic collision at 11:04 p.m. learned that a Hilo-bound 2015 Nissan SUV was overtaking another vehicle when the driver lost control on the wet roadway, leaving the east-bound shoulder and rolling several times prior to coming to a stop.
The front-seat passenger, a 63-year-old man from Hilo, sustained substantial injuries and was taken by ambulance to Hilo Medical Center for treatment.
The rear-set passenger, 46-year-old Steven Jonathan of Hilo, was unresponsive at the scene and pronounced dead at HMC at 2:28 a.m. Friday. He appeared to not be wearing his seat belt at the time of the collision, according to police.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver, 31-year-old Marvin Neth from Pahoa, sustained minor injuries and was taken to HMC for treatment. Upon release, Neth was arrested on suspicion of first-degree negligent homicide, second-degree negligent injury, DUI, reckless driving and driving without insurance.
Neth remains in custody as police continue to investigate.
Police believe that speed, impairment and reckless driving were the primary factors in the crash.
This is the second traffic fatality on the highway, commonly called Saddle Road, in less than a week. An 80-year-old Keauhou woman, Diane Pittman, was killed March 16 in a three-vehicle collision at the 25-mile marker.
Police are urging motorists to drive responsibly and safely, especially during inclement weather.
“Before your foot touches the gas pedal, you need to be mindful that your actions might have devastating consequences to yourself or others,” said Maj. Scott Amaral of the Hawaii Police Department. “Impaired driving is a continuing problem on Hawaii Island roads. We are doing all we can to ensure the roads are safe and need motorists to do their part as well by driving soberly and safely.”
Jonathan’s death is the ninth traffic fatality of 2024 compared to five at this time last year.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza Davis at (808) 961-2339 or Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
