Police ID two pedestrians killed in East Hawaii
Police have identified two pedestrians killed in separate traffic collisions in East Hawaii during the past month.
At 6:58 p.m. on April 20, Puna patrol officers responded to a traffic collision in the area of Highway 130 and Paradise Drive in Keaau. Officers determined that a 2017 Honda HRV was traveling south on Highway 130 when it struck a pedestrian in the southbound lane while the pedestrian was crossing Highway 130 just north of the Paradise Drive.
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The roadway was dry and there were no crosswalks in the sparsely lit area.
The pedestrian in that collision has been identified as 62-year-old Lara Chun, of Keaau. An autopsy was conducted; however, the pathologist’s completed report is still pending. There have been no criminal charges filed at this time relative to this investigation.
At 9:45 p.m. on May 14, Puna patrol officers responded to a traffic collision in the area of Highway 11 and Glenwood Park. Officers determined that a 2003 Toyota Tacoma was traveling north on Highway 11 when it struck a male pedestrian who was in the northbound shoulder lane.
The driver of that vehicle, Patrick Murphy, was initially arrested for this incident and was later released pending further investigation.
The pedestrian has been identified as 42-year-old Justin Rupert of Volcano. An autopsy was conducted; however, the pathologist’s completed report is still pending at this time.
Anyone with information on either fatal collision is asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or Jerome.Durate@HawaiiCounty.
Thoes who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
