Maui Couple Fatally Injured in Makawao Car Crash

By Wendy Osher

A Makawao couple suffered fatal injuries when the car they were in crashed into a rock wall on the property of Makawao Union Church. The incident was reported at 6:32 p.m. on Saturday, July 2, 2011 on Baldwin Avenue, just south east of Holomua Road in Makawao.

Maui police have since identified the victims as Arthur Takabayashi, 68 and wife, Sheryl Takabayashi, 67, both of Makawao.

According to police reports, Arthur Takabayashi was driving a 2004 white Honda Accord southeast on Baldwin Avenue, when the vehicle left the roadway, drove through the front lawn of the church, and struck a wall on the property.

Police say there was no indication of crash avoidance maneuvers prior to the collision. Arthur Takabayashi died at the scene and Sheryl Takabayashi, who was a front seat passenger in the vehicle, was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center where she later died.

Both occupants were wearing seatbelts. The cause of death is pending autopsy reports.

The accident brings to nine the number of traffic fatalities on Maui County roads this year.