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Kailua-Kona, HI (July 14, 2026) – A three-vehicle collision claimed one life and left two others hurt on Sunday, July 12, along Alii Drive near the north end of Kahaluu Beach Park. The crash was reported at approximately 9:28 p.m.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 2012 Toyota Tacoma driven by 21-year-old Hinanui T. Starr-Boyle of Hilo was traveling northbound at a high rate of speed when it attempted to pass another northbound vehicle in a no-passing zone. The pickup entered the southbound lane and struck a 2010 Nissan Frontier driven by a 20-year-old Holualoa man.
After the initial contact, the Nissan Frontier continued onto the shoulder, where it hit a parked Ford Econoline van. Starr-Boyle was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where she died at 10:17 p.m. A 25-year-old Hilo man riding in the Toyota and the Nissan driver were taken to the same hospital for treatment and were listed in stable condition.
Investigators said the Nissan driver was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. An autopsy has been ordered as the review of the collision continues.
Our heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends mourning this tragic loss, and we wish those injured a full recovery.
Why Head-On Crashes Usually Result in Severe Injuries
Head-on crashes are among the most serious roadway collisions because the force generated when two vehicles meet from opposite directions is frequently much greater than in other types of traffic impacts. Even when speeds appear moderate, the combined energy involved can lead to life-threatening harm.
Roadway markings, passing restrictions, vehicle paths, and driver actions are commonly examined to better understand how a head-on collision developed. Investigators may also review tire marks, debris patterns, vehicle damage, and electronic data recorded by the vehicles before contact occurred.
Safety equipment can also influence the severity of injuries. Seat belts are designed to reduce movement inside a vehicle during a crash, helping lower the risk of being thrown against interior surfaces or ejected. Weather, lighting, visibility, and roadway design may also provide important context when evaluating how a head-on collision unfolded.
