Police investigate 3rd pedestrian death in 3 days

In wake of crashes, MPD asks drivers, pedestrians to be cautious on roads

Maui police are seeking information on the death of a pedestrian early Wednesday morning after a 50-year-old man was found lying in the roadway on Piikea Avenue in Kihei after being struck by an unknown vehicle, police said.

The unknown vehicle was traveling eastbound on Piikea Avenue around 4 a.m., according to police. The unknown driver of the vehicle did not stop or render aid to the pedestrian, police said Wednesday afternoon. The victim, who is known to frequent the Kihei area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Maui Police Department Vehicular Homicide Unit investigators are working diligently to identify the vehicle and the operator that fled the scene, police said. Anyone who may have information on the crash should contact Officer David Potter of the MPD Traffic Division/Vehicular Homicide Unit at (808) 244-6322.

People wishing to remain anonymous can call Maui Crime Stoppers at (808) 242-6966.

Wednesday's early morning death was the third pedestrian fatality in as many days on Maui's roadways.

On Tuesday, a 49-year-old woman died after being hit by a vehicle while walking in the middle of the roadway outside a crosswalk on Puunene Avenue in Kahului around 11:30 p.m.

A blue 2021 Ford Bronco, traveling northbound within the inside lane of Puunene Avenue, collided into the pedestrian near Hololea Street, police said on Wednesday.

The woman, who is known to frequent the Kahului area, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Ford, a 49-year-old Kahului man, did not report any injuries. Police said it was undetermined if the driver was wearing his seat belt at the time of the collision.

The airbags did not deploy in the vehicle.

Based on information gathered during the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators do not suspect that speed, alcohol or drugs were contributing factors to the collision.

The names of the 50-year-old man in Kihei and the 49-year-old woman in Kahului who were killed in the collisions are being withheld pending notification of next of kin, police said.

On Monday night, a 42-year-old woman, whom police identified Wednesday as Nicole De Rego, was killed near Olowalu as she was walking across Honoapiilani Highway outside a marked crosswalk and was hit by a silver 2005 Toyota Tacoma truck traveling southeast, police said.

Police said De Rego was known to frequent the Lahaina area. Based on information gathered during the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators do not suspect that speed, alcohol or drugs were contributing factors to this collision.

The three fatalities in the last three days have brought this year's total traffic fatalities to four compared to eight at the same time last year.

Maui police on Wednesday offered some tips for both pedestrians and drivers in light of the incidents.

For pedestrians:

• Utilize marked crosswalks/intersections when possible.

• Be alert while walking.

• Always look both ways before crossing, and never assume a driver sees you.

• Dress to be seen, especially at night.

For drivers:

• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

• Always watch for pedestrians when backing out of driveways or parking stalls.

• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk.

• Be vigilant; always look for pedestrian movement in your direction.

* Staff Writer Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.