Honolulu, HI – Man Identified in Pedestrian Crash on Waianuenue Ave

Honolulu, HI (May 4, 2025) – The pedestrian who died in a crash on Thursday evening was identified by authorities on Saturday, May 3.

He was identified as 69-year-old James R. Lawrence of Hilo, and Hawaii Island police have opened a negligent homicide investigation. The incident happened just before 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Waianuenue Avenue and Rainbow Drive.

According to police, a car was traveling west on Waianuenue Avenue when it hit Lawrence. Lawrence, who was conscious at the scene, was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center in critical condition. Police said he was slated to be airlifted to the Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu, but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 10:49 p.m.

The driver, a 62-year-old Hilo woman, was not hurt. At this time, police believe that speed, alcohol, and drugs were not factors in the crash. That said, the circumstances of the accident are currently being investigated by the police, and no further details have been made available.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of James R. Lawrence.

Car Accidents in Hawaii

Serious consequences can result from multi-vehicle collisions in Hawaii, especially when victims sustain injuries. Thousands of people in Hawaii suffer terrible mental and bodily trauma each year as a result of these incidents. Adding insult to injury, negligent drivers are a common cause of injuries sustained by motorists on our roadways. Disregarding the safety of other drivers on the road increases the likelihood that these collisions will occur, endangering the lives of other drivers. Whether it’s due to speeding, drunk driving, texting, or some other infraction, these careless drivers put innocent motorists at risk daily.

What’s more, it is often quite difficult to get back on your feet after suffering injuries in a vehicle accident, given the physical and emotional stress during the aftermath. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries often necessitate long periods of recovery and taxing medical treatment. Of course, victims and their loved ones frequently find it difficult to pick up the pieces after suffering injuries, especially after a family member dies.

Finding yourself involved in a car accident and suffering injuries is never easy. There is a possibility that you are experiencing excruciating pain, suffering, emotional trauma, excessive stress, and other adverse conditions. Your financial situation may be in jeopardy because of unpaid medical expenses, the price of repairing your car, and the loss of your wages. Make it possible for a lawyer to assist you in acquiring the financial recompense you want to meet the expenses associated with your accident.

Thankfully, you can contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner if you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by negligence. A car crash attorney can help you get the money you need to pay for the costs related to your injuries. Medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and more may be eligible for financial compensation when you’re hurt in a crash caused by negligence.

You can call our office at (808) 537-2525 to talk to a skilled car accident attorney in Honolulu regarding your claim. You deserve to be able to recover without having to worry, especially if the actions of a negligent driver caused your injuries. Call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner as soon as you can to learn more.

Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports and 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 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.