Maui Bicycling League Encourages Support at Pretrial Hearing

Robin Hagen (Karl Hagen’s wife), Hagen family, friends, supporters and Maui Bicycling League advocates in front of the court house Courtesy photo.

Karl Hagen

By Maui Now Staff

The Maui Bicycling League is urging cyclists to show support for the family of a bicyclist killed in South Kīhei by attending a pretrial court hearing on Wednesday, April 1.

Karl Hagen, 61, was hit from behind and killed by a pickup truck on Piʻilani Highway in 2014. The driver, 29-year-old Michael Cattaneo, has been charged with two counts of homicide in the incident, including one count under Hawaiʻi’s “Vulnerable User” law, as well as operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs and driving without insurance.

The pretrial hearing will be at the Maui County Wailuku Courthouse in courtroom No. 4 at 2145 Main Street in Wailuku, following the day’s proceedings beginning at 8 a.m.

“We feel it is important for the judge to realize that there is a community of cyclists on Maui who are watching this case carefully,” says Saman Dias, executive director of Maui Bicycling League. “Drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely around cyclists.”

Road laws dictate that drivers are required to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing, and motor vehicles are not permitted in bike lanes.

“Please remember that cyclists are extremely vulnerable as you operate your vehicle around them,” said Dias. “Texting, driving under the influence and distracted driving are extremely dangerous, especially when bicyclists are present.”

Learn more about Maui Bicycling League online.