Kaneohe, HI — 20-Year-Old Passenger Dies Following Guardrail Collision on Likelike Hwy

Kaneohe, HI (April 27, 2026) — A 20-year-old woman has tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident that occurred on the Likelike Highway last week. The Honolulu Police Department confirmed her passing on Sunday, April 26.

The incident took place early Wednesday morning, April 22, at approximately 12:40 a.m. A 17-year-old male was driving northbound through the Wilson Tunnel with three passengers. Upon exiting the tunnel, the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a guardrail on the right shoulder.

The impact was severe enough to eject the 20-year-old rear passenger onto the roadway. She was rushed to a nearby hospital in serious condition, but ultimately did not survive her injuries. A second woman, seated in the front, was also hospitalized in serious condition.

The investigation into the cause of the loss of control continues.

Our hearts go out to the loved ones of the woman who lost her life.

What to Do if a Family Member Was Killed in a Car Crash in Hawaii

Losing a loved one in a sudden accident is a devastating experience that leaves families facing an overwhelming array of emotions and urgent decisions. In Hawaii, there are specific legal and administrative steps you should take to protect your family’s future and ensure the memory of your loved one is honored with justice.

The Honolulu Police Department (HPD) will generate a detailed Traffic Accident Report. This document is the foundation of any future legal action. You can request a copy through the HPD Records Division. Ensure that the report accurately reflects the details of the crash, as investigators’ findings regarding speed, road conditions, and vehicle maneuvers will be critical for your insurance claim.

Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state, which means the insurance policy covering the vehicle involved should provide immediate benefits regardless of who caused the crash. These Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits typically include coverage for funeral and burial expenses (usually up to a specific limit, such as $2,000 or more, depending on the policy). Contact the insurance carrier for the vehicle involved to initiate a claim for these immediate survivor benefits.

To pursue a wrongful death claim in Hawaii, the court must typically appoint a Personal Representative for the deceased person’s estate. This individual is the only person legally authorized to file a lawsuit on behalf of the survivors (such as parents, children, or a spouse). If your family member did not have a will, Hawaii’s intestacy laws will determine who has priority to serve in this role.

Finally, Hawaii has a strict Statute of Limitations for filing wrongful death lawsuits, generally two years from the date of the accident. Because these cases often involve complex investigations into roadway safety and insurance policy limits, speaking with a wrongful death attorney early can help you manage the legal burden. A lawyer can handle the aggressive insurance adjusters and coordinate with accident reconstructionists, allowing your family the space to focus on the grieving and healing process.

If your family lost a loved one in a crash in Kaneohe, we are here to guide you. At Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner, we work closely with families affected by fatal accidents to help them understand their legal options.

We can provide steady guidance during some of life’s most challenging moments. To discuss your situation with a lawyer, you can call Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 537-2525 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.