Near Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

On Thursday, August 29, 2024, at approximately 1:29 p.m., a motor vehicle collision occurred near the intersection of Hana Highway and Holomua Road in Paia.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a black 1997 Nissan pick-up truck was traveling west on Hana Highway when the Nissan overtook another vehicle, stopped in traffic, crossed the center line, and then collided into a black 2022 Toyota pick-up truck which was traveling east on Hana Highway.

As a result of this collision, the operator of the Nissan, a 36-year-old male, and his 20-year-old female passenger, both of Haiku, were transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room in critical condition. The operator of the Toyota, a 48-year-old Haiku male, was treated and released on the scene by medic personnel.

Investigation reveals that:

The Nissan did not have seatbelts at the time of the collision.

The operator of the Toyota was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision.

Airbags in both vehicles were deployed as a result of this collision.

The involvement of speed, alcohol, and drugs has not been determined yet, as the investigation remains ongoing.