A Hilo man, 52, was arrested today on suspicion of first-degree negligent injury after allegedly striking a Hawaii Island police officer with his SUV.
The on-duty officer, a 27-year-old woman with four years in the department, was reportedly assisting a motorist whose vehicle was stalled near the intersection of Kekuanaoa Street and Kanoelehua Avenue in Hilo when the incident occurred.
At approximately 5:33 a.m., a man driving a 2023 Subaru Forester traveling east on Kekuanaoa Street struck the officer, who was positioned in the westbound left-turn lane. As a result of the collision, the officer suffered head injuries and rib fractures.
She was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where she remains in guarded condition.
The uninjured driver was arrested at the scene and identified as Keola Mahi of Hilo. After consultation with the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, he was released pending further investigation.
Police stated that they do not believe alcohol or drugs were contributing factors in the crash.
The Hawaii Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards is conducting an administrative investigation, and a negligent injury investigation has been initiated.
Interim Police Chief Reed Mahuna released a statement saying, “This incident underscores the dangers our officers face each day while working to protect and serve our community. We remain committed to supporting our injured officer as she recovers and remind all motorists to slow down and move over when they see emergency personnel on our roadways.”
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or email [email protected].
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/10/26/breaking-news/big-isle-officer-struck-by-suv-helping-a-stalled-motorist/
