A 39-year-old Kailua-Kona man suspected of a hit-and-run collision that critically injured a 73-year-old California man has a history of speeding and impaired driving, according to court records.
Police say Graham Racine was the driver of a 2022 Dodge Ram truck that struck the elderly man, a pedestrian, while turning left onto Henry Street from Hale Kapili Street in North Kona at about 11:30 a.m.
According to police, the pedestrian, whose name hasn’t been made public, was crossing Henry Street in a marked crosswalk when he was struck by the truck, which was turning left. Police say the victim was taken to Kona Community Hospital and, as of Thursday night, was listed in critical condition.
Racine, according to police, fled the scene after striking the pedestrian but later turned himself in at the Kealakehe Police Station.
Racine was arrested on suspicion of first-degree negligent injury, DUI, leaving the scene of an accident involving substantial bodily injury and failing to render aid.
He was released from custody pending further investigation Thursday night.
Police think speed and impairment are possible factors in the collision.
According or court records, Racine’s license was administratively suspended or revoked for four years for an April 2022 DUI.
He was also fined $287 for driving after his license was suspended and running a red light and ticketed for driving 43 mph in a 25 mph zone later in the year, records state.
In addition Racine pleaded guilty for excessive speeding for driving 30-plus mph over the speed limit in 2012 and to a DUI charge later in the year, according to court records.
Police are asking for potential witnesses to the collision contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov.
Tipsters who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
