This was the second traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared with five at this time last year.
A 36-year-old Kealakekua woman died Sunday from injuries she sustained in a one-vehicle crash at the intersection of Hawaii Belt Road and Highway 180 in Honalo, South Kona, police said.
The driver of the vehicle was identified as Dana M. Leoneza. Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in this crash, police said.
Responding to a 2:26 a.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that Leoneza was operating a 1998 Subaru multi-purpose vehicle and traveling south on Hawaii Belt Road (Highway 11), when she failed to negotiate a curve in the road and struck a utility pole.
Rescue personnel took Leoneza and her passenger, a 25-year-old Kailua-Kona man, to Kona Community Hospital. Police did not disclose the name of the passenger.
Leoneza was pronounced dead at 8:19 p.m.
Police did not disclose the name of the passenger, who was listed in serious condition and confined to the hospital.
Before her death, Leoneza was arrested at the hospital for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, negligent injury and promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree.
Because Leoneza was confined to the hospital, she was released by police pending further investigation.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
This was the second traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared with five at this time last year.