Hilo, HI – Police Officer Struck at Kekuanaoa St & Kanoelehua Ave

Hilo, HI (October 27, 2025) – On Sunday morning, October 26, a Hawaii Island police officer was struck in a traffic collision at the intersection of Kekuanaoa Street and Kanoelehua Avenue, near the Hilo International Airport.

The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. while the on-duty officer was assisting a stranded vehicle in the westbound left-turn lane of Kekuanaoa Street. A white Subaru traveling east struck the 27-year-old officer, causing head injuries and rib fractures. The officer, a four-year veteran, was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center and is currently in serious, but guarded condition.

The driver of the vehicle, a 52-year-old Hilo man, was not injured. He was arrested for first-degree negligent injury and released pending further investigation. Authorities do not believe alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.

Local police officers secured the scene and reminded the public to slow down and move over lanes when approaching emergency personnel on roadways. An administrative investigation is ongoing due to the serious nature of the officer’s injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

We extend our thoughts to the injured officer and hope for a full and speedy recovery.

Common Causes of Road Accidents in Hawaii

Traffic collisions in Hawaii can result from multiple factors, including driver behavior, road conditions, and environmental influences. Understanding these risks can help raise awareness and prevent future accidents.

• Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or other distractions while driving remains one of the leading causes of crashes. Even a momentary lapse can lead to severe accidents.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions. Many crashes in Hawaii occur on busy streets or highways where speed limits are often ignored.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving between lanes, or running red lights can result in collisions, including incidents involving pedestrians or emergency responders.
• Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, wet streets, limited visibility, potholes, or uneven pavement contribute to accidents across the islands.
• Failure to Yield and Right-of-Way Violations: Intersections are common sites for collisions when drivers fail to yield properly to other vehicles or pedestrians.
• Vehicle Malfunctions: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical problems can unexpectedly lead to crashes if drivers lose control.

Accidents can happen anywhere, from busy urban streets to quieter residential areas. Being aware of these risks and practicing defensive driving is essential. If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident in Hawaii, seeking guidance from a Hawaii car accident lawyer can help protect your legal rights and pursue fair compensation.

At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we are committed to assisting accident victims with recovery and legal support. Call (808) 537-2525 today for a free consultation.

Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports, local and state police incident reports to create these posts. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this particular accident so if there is any information that is incorrect, please contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner right away so that we can update the post right away to reflect the most accurate information available.

Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical assistance immediately.