UPDATE: Male Struck in Paia Hit-and-Run Dies

Police have released a photo of a sample Mitsubishi Galant. The involved vehicle may be a different color then the sample vehicle. Sample image provided courtesy: Maui Police Department.

By Wendy Osher

*** An UPDATE is now posted following an arrest.

(Update: 4:30 a.m. 9/17/12)

Maui Police are seeking the public’s help this morning following a fatal hit-and-run accident on the Paia Bypass Road on Sunday evening.

Upon arrival on the scene, emergency response crews found the body of a lifeless adult male lying within the middle of the road, just west of Baldwin Avenue.  The accident was reported at around 8:16 p.m. on Sunday September 16th, 2012.

Maui Police say the male appeared to have been struck by a vehicle that was traveling east on the Paia Bypass Road.

The involved vehicle fled the scene and is unidentified at this time, however physical evidence at the scene has led authorities to believe that the vehicle involved may have been a 1997 or 1998 Mitsubishi Galant.

Police say the vehicle will have front end damage, and will be missing at least one of the black plastic grill pieces located above the front license plate.

Positive identification of the victim, as well as notification of next of kin, are still pending.

Anyone with information that may lead to the involved vehicle and driver involved in the fatal traffic crash, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (808) 242-6966.

This is Maui County’s  19th fatality this year, as compared to 12 at the same time last year.

(Posted: 9:22 p.m. 9/16/12)

A man is dead tonight following an apparent hit-and-run accident near Baldwin Beach Park in Paia, officials said.

Medics from Makawao were dispatched to an area near the Hana Highway fronting Baldwin Beach Park for reports of a male that was found unresponsive and on the roadway, said Maui County Paramedics Association spokesperson Ryan Joslin.

Upon arrival, at 8:37 p.m. on Sunday, September 16, 2012, officials say the male patient was in cardiopulmonary arrest and had suffered multiple traumatic injuries.

Resuscitation attempts were not initiated due to the extent of the injuries suffered by the patient, said Joslin.

It is unknown if the patient was a local or visitor.  Authorities say passing motorists found the male on the side of the road.

The paramedic unit was assisted by firefighters from Engine 2 out of Paia, and multiple units from the Maui Police Department.

***Check back for further details to be posted when they become available.