Hilo woman killed in Kona traffic crash
A 21-year-old Hilo woman died as the result of a three-vehicle traffic collision Sunday night on Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona.
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Officers responded to a 9:28 p.m. report of a head-on collision near the north end of Kahaluu Beach Park. Their preliminary investigation determined that the woman, Hinanui T. Starr-Boyle, was driving a gray 2012 Toyota Tacoma northbound at a high-rate of speed for the area. While passing another northbound vehicle in a no-passing zone, the Toyota Tacoma crossed into the southbound lane and collided head-on with a silver 2010 Nissan Frontier pickup truck driven by a 20-year-old Holualoa man. Following the initial collision, the Nissan Frontier continued onto the makai shoulder of the roadway, where it struck a parked tan Ford Econoline van.
Starr-Boyle was pronounced dead at 10:17 p.m. at Kona Community Hospital. Her passenger, a 25-year-old Hilo man and the driver of the Nissan Frontier were admitted to Kona Community Hospital. Both are listed in stable condition.
The driver of the Nissan Frontier was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Nobody involved in the collision were wearing seat belts and speed and impairment are believed to be contributing factors in the crash, police said.
The West Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit initiated an ongoing coroner’s inquest investigation and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Starr-Boyle’s death is the 18th traffic fatality on Hawaii Island in 2026, compared to 14 at the same time last year.
Potential witnesses or anyone with video camera footage from the area around the time of the crash are asked to contact Officer John Harvey at (808) 326-4646, ext. 3229, or [email protected].
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Those who prefer anonymity may contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
