Kauai police are asking for the public’s help in locating the driver in a hit-and-run crash that killed a man in Kalaheo.
The victim’s body was found by a police officer driving home on Halewili Road at about 11:10 p.m. Sunday, police said.
A preliminary investigation found the man, possibly in his mid-20s, was walking in the eastbound lane of Halewili Road when he was apparently struck by an oncoming vehicle, police said.
The vehicle involved in the crash was not at the scene when police arrived.
The man’s body was taken to Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police said an autopsy is pending.
Police closed Halewili Road in both directions from about 11:20 p.m. Sunday to 3:45 a.m. Monday to investigate.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call the Kauai Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section at 241-1618.
Anonymous tips can be made to CrimeStoppers on Kauai at 246-8300.
Hawaii island
Man killed in vehicle crash identified
The 51-year-old man killed in a two-vehicle collision in Kailua-Kona Friday has been identified as Raymond Mata Jr.
Hawaii island police said a brown Toyota pickup truck operated by a 38-year-old Keauhou woman was traveling southbound on Alii Drive when her vehicle was rear-ended by a tan 1999 Toyota pickup truck operated by Mata at approximately 9:55 p.m.
Police said the tan vehicle then struck a utility pole and a stone wall.
Mata was unresponsive at the scene and taken to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at about 1:20 a.m. Saturday.
Police believe inattention and speed were factors in the crash. It is unknown, at this time, if alcohol was involved.
An autopsy is expected to be performed to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call officer Justin Hooser at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229.
This is the 24th traffic-related fatality compared to 26 at the same time last year.
