Woman dies after being hit by vehicle in Hilo

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Hawaii Island police have launched a negligent homicide investigation after a woman died from being hit by a vehicle in Hilo Thursday night.

Police responded to the crash at 7:15 p.m. near Kanoelehua Avenue and East Kahaopea Street.

Police said a 2023 Kia sedan was traveling Hilo bound when it struck the woman who was crossing the road not in a marked crosswalk.

The woman was unresponsive at the scene and pronounced dead at 7:25 p.m.

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

The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld pending identification and notification of kin.

The driver of the Kia, a 38-year-old Pahoa man, was not hurt, police said.

The northbound lanes of Kanoelehua Avenue were closed as officers investigated.

At this time, police do not believe that speed and inattention were factors in the crash.

Police ask that anyone who has information regarding this collision to please contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 28th traffic fatality of 2026 compared to 17 traffic fatalities this same time last year.