On Friday night, 53-year-old Ryan Kuualoha Ka’awaloa was driving his green Chevrolet utility vehicle when he collided with a Puna pedestrian on the road.
Witnesses told Island of Hawaii Police that Ka’awaloa pulled over immediately after the incident.An altercation ensued between Ka’awaloa and the stranger. It is not clear if the person was the pedestrian who was hit. Kaʻawaloa collapsed near his car and was pronounced dead less than 90 minutes later.
This is a police account.
Shortly after 9:30 pm on December 30, Puna Patrolmen responded to a reported disturbance of unknown type at the intersection of Kahakai Boulevard and Kaku Street in Hawaiian Beach.
Ka’awaloa was conscious and leaning against the car when officers arrived. He complained of pain in his chest and fell to the ground, unresponsive. Officers immediately began life-saving measures on Kawaloa, including CPR and using his AED until Hawaii Fire Department personnel arrived.
Kaawaloa was taken to the Hilo Medical Center emergency room and pronounced dead at 10:56 pm.
The pedestrian left the scene before police arrived. his identity is unknown.
Responding officers determined that Ka’awa Loa was moving east on Kahakai Boulevard when it struck a pedestrian.
According to eyewitness accounts, the pedestrian is believed to be a young local man with curly brown hair, wearing a white T-shirt and a gold chain. He was reportedly picked up in a black full-size pickup truck. Police believe he may have been injured and need medical assistance.
The Area I Criminal Investigation Division has been contacted for assistance and is currently continuing this investigation, which has been classified as a coroner’s hearing.
An autopsy was performed at Ka’awaloa and forensic pathologists are awaiting additional tests and toxicology results to establish the exact cause and cause of death. However, the visible wounds observed on Kawaroa did not appear to be life-threatening.
Ka’awaloa’s car was recovered and processed by police investigators. I believe all his personal belongings in the car have been seized.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the identity of the pedestrian in this case, or who may have witnessed the incident, to call the police non-emergency number 808-935-3311 or Area I Crime. I’ll ask you to call Detective John Valverde. 808-961-2386 or email section [email protected].
Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous may be eligible for rewards up to $1,000 by calling the islandwide Crime Stoppers number 808-961-8300. All Climb Stopper information is kept confidential.
