Deadly Piʻilani Accident Claims Life of Kīhei Man

Piʻilani Highway fatality. Maui Now graphic.

By Wendy Osher

Maui police say the involvement of speed and driving while using a mobile electronic device is suspected as a factor in a deadly crash that claimed the life of a Maui man overnight.

Maui police have since identified the victim as Terrance Kyle Morgan, 25, of Kīhei.

According to police reports, Morgan was operating a 2004 Nissan and was traveling northbound on the Piʻilani Highway when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed left of center, and ran off the western shoulder of the roadway before rolling over.

The incident was reported at around 3 a.m. on Monday, May 12, 2014, near mile post 6 of the Piʻilani Highway, south of Līpoa Street in Kīhei.

Police say Morgan was pronounced dead at the scene.

A 21-year-old Kīhei man who was a passenger in the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center via ambulance, according to police reports. Police say he was wearing a seat belt.

A preliminary police investigation reveals that the operator of the vehicle was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, and that both driver and passenger side airbags deployed.

The incident was the 12th traffic fatality on Maui County roads this year compared to eight at the same time last year.

The incident remains under investigation.

The crash resulted in the temporary closure of the Piʻilani Highway between Welakahao and Līpoa Streets until around 6:45 a.m.

(Update: 6:45 a.m. 5/12/14)

The Piʻilani Hwy is now OPEN in both directions. Expect delays as traffic resumes its normal flow.

(Update: 6:05 a.m. 5/12/14)

Crews are now reopening the Piʻilani Highway in the north-bound direction. The road remains closed in the south-bound direction between Welakahao and Līpoa Streets. The closure went into effect at around 4 a.m. following a motor vehicle accident.

(Posted: 4 a.m. 5/12/14)

There is a road closure on the Piʻilani Highway in South Maui. The closure went into effect at around 4 a.m. following a motor vehicle accident. The closure extends along the Piʻilani Highway between Welakahao and Līpoa streets. Motorists are being rerouted to South Kīhei Road.