‘I can’t unsee this and it hurts’: Maui man makes a plea for safety after deadly crash

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) — Reduce your speed and possibly prevent a tragedy. This is the warning from a Maui resident following an incident where they attempted to rescue a pedestrian who tragically died after being hit in Kihei on Monday.

"When are we finally going to realize that this scenario isn't possible anymore? And when will we modify our actions?" questioned Thomas Powers, who observed the fatal accident.

Currently, Powers' queries remain unanswered. While commuting to his workplace on Monday evening in Kihei, he witnessed a motorist crash into an individual close to East Lipoa Street.

The driver accelerated rapidly along that stretch of road, causing the man to be thrown approximately 40 feet ahead of me," Powers stated. "At the time, he was still breathing, but it didn't seem like he would survive.

Pressure was exerted on the man's wounds by Powers until emergency personnel showed up. However, the 70-year-old individual from Maalaea, whose identity hasn’t been disclosed by officials, passed away at the location.

"To witness this is breaking my heart. It could have been avoided entirely.None of these events were necessary. The individual shouldn't have been in the road. And that man had no business driving so recklessly," Powers stated to Hawaii News Now.

This marks the tenth fatality on Maui’s roadways for this year, representing a 50% rise from the previous May. In contrast, fatalities on Oahu have surged to 28, up significantly from 11 during the same period last year. Fortunately, Kauai and Hawaii Island have seen a decrease in fatal incidents.

The Big Island’s police chief said safety on the roads is a priority.

“We try to focus on enforcement and that’s part of the solution,” said Chief Ben Moszkowicz. “Making sure that people have a realistic expectation that if they decide to drive impaired, if they decide to use their mobile device, or they’re driving distracted, there’s a realistic expectation that we might catch them.”

“Each life lost is truly one too many,” stated Lieutenant Kenneth Kihata from the Maui Police Department’s Traffic Division. “We urge all members of our community—drivers, walkers, and riders—to remain alert and make decisions that safeguard lives. By collaborating as a united front, we have the potential to create significant change and prevent fatalities.”

The Maui Police Department reported that the unidentified 42-year-old driver involved in the accident in Kihei was both overspeeding and under the influence of alcohol.

He departed from the location but was subsequently apprehended and now confronts accusations of first-degree negligent homicide along with charges related to collisions involving death.

We must navigate our lives contemplating the loss of someone who shouldn't have been lost," Powers stated. "We observe how recklessly this individual acted, causing sorrow for numerous individuals." He continued, "These experiences leave indelible marks on people's minds and won't fade easily. I cannot erase these memories from my mind, and they bring me pain.

The Maui Police Department aims to alert motorists and walkers to remember to:

• Stay alert

• Maintain the posted speed limits

• Fasten your seatbelts

• Avoid driving under the influence

• Use designated crosswalks

• Establish visual contact with drivers prior to crossing