Man struck by vehicle causes closure of Kalena Street

Published on February 09, 2024

LĪHUʻE –  Police responded to a traffic incident Thursday morning on Kalena Street where a man on a mobility scooter was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.

On Feb. 8 at approximately 11:45 a.m., a white 2016 Ford truck was turning from Rice Street onto Kalena Street when the vehicle struck a man operating an electric mobility scooter as he was crossing the street in the crosswalk.

The victim, a 70-year-old man of Līhu‘e, was transported to the Wilcox Memorial Hospital with serious injuries. He currently remains at the hospital in stable condition.

The driver of the Ford, a 36-year-old woman of Līhu‘e, did not report any injuries. She was arrested for the offense of Negligent Injury in the First Degree and released pending investigation, otherwise known as “RPI.” An RPI means that more time is needed, beyond the maximum 48 hours of holding in police custody, for police to investigate the case before formal charges are made.

Police closed Kalena Street in both directions for approximately one hour as officers with KPD’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an on-scene investigation.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call Officer Himongala at 808-241-1617. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300, submitting a tip at cskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips Mobile App.

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