HONOLULU, HI – Two people killed in separate pedestrian accidents in East Hawai‘i over the past month have now been identified, according to Hawai‘i Island police.
The first incident happened on April 20 in the area of Highway 130 and Paradise Drive in Kea‘au. Puna patrol officers determined that a 2017 Honda HRV was traveling south on Highway 130 shortly before 7 p.m. when it struck and killed a pedestrian crossing the highway in the southbound lane.
The victim has been identified as 62-year-old Lara Chun of Kea‘au. No criminal charges have currently been filed in the case.
The second collision took place May 14 in the area of Highway 11 and Glenwood Park in Volcano. Police said a 2003 Toyota Tacoma was traveling north on Highway 11 at 9:45 p.m. and fatally struck a male pedestrian in the northbound shoulder lane. The victim has been identified as 42-year-old Justin Rupert of Volcano
The driver of the Toyota, identified as Patrick Murphy, was initially arrested but later released pending further investigation after conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office.
Both accidents remain under investigation by the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit.
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