Crash Claims Life of Makawao Woman on Thanksgiving Day

File image by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

A 26-year-old Maui woman sustained fatal injuries in a single-vehicle crash on Pau Hana Road in Makawao on Thanksgiving Day.

The incident was reported at 1:40 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, about 36-feet south of Kilihune Place.

Maui police have since identified the woman as Giuliana Johnson of Makawao.

According to police reports, Johnson was driving a 2001 Ford Ranger, headed south on Pau Hana Road, when she failed to negotiate a turn, lost control of the vehicle, went off the road, and through a fence fronting a residence.

Police say the Ford Ranger then struck a parked and unattended 2000 Mercedes Benz multi-purpose vehicle, that was within the driveway of the home, before continuing uncontrolled into another fence along the adjoining neighbor’s property, where the vehicle came to an uncontrolled stop fronting the home.

As a result of the crash, police say Johnson sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene.

According to police reports, Johnson was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, and the vehicle airbags did not deploy.

Police say the involvement of speed is suspected, and the use of drugs and alcohol has not been determined as the investigation is still pending.

The incident was the 15th fatality on Maui County roads this year, compared to 21 at the same time last year.

A portion of Pau Hana Road between Makani Road and Kilihune Place was closed until around 6 p.m. while police conducted an investigation at the scene.