18-year-old man arrested following fatal head-on crash on Hawaii Island

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – An 18-year-old man was arrested Sunday after a head-on crash on Hawaii Island that left one man dead and two kids injured, police said.

Police have identified the suspect as Keawemauhili Iolanikealoha Navas-Loa of Honaunau.

The incident happened around 2:15 p.m. below the intersection of Ke Ala O Keawe Road and Honaunau Road.

Investigators said the suspect crossed the double solid yellow lines in his Chevrolet Tahoe SUV and struck Honda Accord sedan head-on.

The driver — identified as Jerome “Tabu” Chadallen Kahoalii Heath of Kailua-Kona — was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Heath’s 10-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter were also in the car with him. They were also taken to the hospital for medical attention but were later released.

Authorities said Navas-Loa was arrested for second-degree negligent homicide and was later released pending further investigation.

This is the sixth traffic fatality this year compared to four at the same time last year.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or email at ansel.robinson@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

An investigation is ongoing.

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