Kahului, HI – 1-Year-Old Boy Killed in Driveway Crash on Poheoheo St

Kahului, HI (April 11, 2025) – A heartbreaking accident in Kahului claimed the life of a 1-year-old boy on Thursday night after he was struck by a vehicle in a residential driveway, according to the Maui Police Department.

The incident occurred around 9:42 p.m. on April 10 along Poheoheo Street. A 2016 Nissan Altima driven by a 17-year-old girl was pulling into a driveway when the vehicle struck the toddler, who was on a sidewalk in front of a home. The young boy, who was from Makawao, suffered critical injuries and was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he later died.

The teenage driver was not injured in the crash. Authorities have stated that speed does not appear to have played a role, but the investigation is still ongoing to determine whether drugs or alcohol may have been contributing factors.

This marks the eighth traffic-related fatality in Maui County so far this year—double the number recorded at this point in 2024.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the young child during this incredibly painful time.

Pedestrian Fatalities in Hawaii

Tragedies like this highlight the vulnerability of pedestrians, especially children, even in non-roadway areas like driveways. In Hawaii, pedestrian deaths have become an increasing concern. According to state traffic safety data, a significant number of fatal pedestrian accidents involve small children or older adults, many occurring in residential neighborhoods.

Let’s take a closer look at child pedestrian safety and key issues surrounding it:

• Driveway Backovers and Pull-Ins: Children are often difficult to see when they’re near or behind vehicles, particularly in driveways. Even newer cars with cameras and sensors can miss small children, especially at night or in dim lighting.

• Lack of Supervision Near Vehicles: Toddlers move quickly and unpredictably. If adults nearby are momentarily distracted, a child may enter a hazardous zone before anyone realizes the risk.

• Low-Speed, High-Impact Accidents: Even vehicles traveling at very low speeds can cause severe or fatal injuries to a child. Their smaller size and fragile bodies make them especially vulnerable to trauma.

• Residential Blind Spots: Many residential driveways and garages have visual obstructions. Fences, bushes, and other vehicles can prevent drivers from seeing a child until it’s too late.

• Limited Awareness in Teen Drivers: Young or inexperienced drivers may not have the situational awareness or driving habits needed to check all angles carefully, especially during nighttime or in high-stress moments.

• Prevention Through Design and Education: Back-up alarms, high-mounted rear cameras, and community awareness programs are essential tools to prevent future tragedies. Teaching drivers and families about driveway safety is also crucial.

If your family has been affected by a pedestrian accident in Hawaii, it is important to contact a compassionate and experienced Kahului wrongful death attorney who understands the local laws and emotional weight these cases carry. Legal guidance can help protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard.

At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we are here to stand beside families who have suffered the unimaginable. If you lost a loved one due to a traffic incident, we encourage you to call our Honolulu office at 808-537-2525 for a free consultation. Our attorneys have decades of experience helping families navigate complex legal claims during times of loss. We will listen with care, explain your options, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.

From medical expenses and funeral costs to holding negligent parties accountable, we’re committed to pursuing justice with compassion. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders. Call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner today—support is just one phone call away.