Waimea, HI — One Dead, Two Injured in DUI Collision on Kawaihae Rd
May 12, 2026
Waimea, HI (May 12, 2026) — A tragic roadside emergency turned into a fatal collision on Sunday, May 10, when an impaired driver struck a vehicle undergoing a tire change. The accident occurred at approximately 1:22 p.m. on Kawaihae Road (Highway 19) near the 65-mile marker.
According to Hawaiʻi Island police, 59-year-old Sione Tilini of Waimea was positioned between and partially beneath a parked gold 2004 Toyota Camry, assisting with a tire change on the shoulder. At that time, a black 2008 BMW 328i traveling eastbound veered onto the shoulder and slammed into the parked vehicle. The force of the impact caused the Camry to fall onto Tilini, inflicting fatal injuries. He was transported to Queen’s North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:47 p.m.
Two others at the scene, a 19-year-old man and an 11-year-old boy, sustained minor injuries when the parked car was shoved forward. The 22-year-old driver of the BMW remains in critical condition.
Police have arrested the driver on suspicion of negligent homicide, DUI, driving without a license, and operating a vehicle without insurance.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Sione Tilini during this difficult time. We also wish the injured driver a full and swift recovery.
Why Is Legal Representation Essential After a Fatal Collision in Hawaii?
Following a fatal accident, Hawaii’s complex No-Fault laws and strict deadlines make legal errors costly. Professional representation is essential to manage the burden of proof, activate insurance safety nets, and protect your family from predatory insurance tactics while you seek justice.
When an accident involves DUI or negligent homicide, a police investigation focuses on state penalties rather than family compensation. You have the right to a parallel civil investigation to secure your own recovery. A lawyer ensures that vital evidence, such as blood-alcohol results and vehicle data, is officially preserved and subpoenaed for your wrongful death claim, regardless of how long the criminal case lasts.
When a negligent driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover a fatal injury, you have the right to access Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) benefits from your own policy. Because these internal claims can become adversarial, an attorney acts as your advocate to ensure your insurer pays the full value of the loss and to prevent them from unfairly using comparative negligence arguments to reduce your payout.
Following a fatal crash, insurance adjusters may push for recorded statements or low-ball settlements. A legal representative serves as a vital buffer, managing all correspondence to ensure you don’t inadvertently sign away your rights or accept an offer that fails to account for the lifelong loss of financial support and companionship.
If you lost a loved one in a crash in Hawaii, our team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner is here to help. We have years of experience handling wrongful death cases across the islands and can help you understand how Hawaii’s filing rules, liability, and documentation may apply to your situation.
You can contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 537-2525 to talk with our Waimea wrongful death lawyers and learn more about your legal options after a fatal crash in Hawaii.
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 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.