Driver arrested for negligent homicide after fatal crash near old Maui Lu site
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The Maui News
A 38-year-old Wailuku man was arrested for negligent homicide Sunday morning after his vehicle crashed through construction fencing at the old Maui Lu site in Kihei, killing the passenger, according to police.
At about 3 a.m. Sunday, a 1999 Ford Mustang sedan was traveling north on South Kihei Road at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control, went off the road and crashed through the construction fencing at the Maui Lu site. The out-of-control vehicle collided with some construction material and eventually came to a rest upside down atop a pile of lumber.
The passenger of the Ford Mustang was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. He was identified as 48-year-old Gregory E. Rawlerson of Wailuku.
The driver of the Ford Mustang, a 38-year-old Wailuku man, left the scene on foot. Police traffic investigators met him at Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he had gone to seek treatment for nonlife-threatening injuries sustained in the crash.
At 9:57 a.m., the driver was placed under arrest for first-degree negligent homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, accidents involving death, excessive speeding and reckless driving. His name has not yet been released by police.
Police said neither the driver nor the passenger were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The involvement of alcohol and speed are considered factors. The involvement of drugs has not been confirmed, as the investigation is still pending.
This is Maui County's 17th traffic fatality of 2019, as compared to 15 at the same time last year.