Lahaina Moped Operator Dies in Head-On Kahana Crash

By Wendy Osher

A 19-year-old Maui man suffered fatal injuries as the result of a motor vehicle crash in Kahana on Thursday night, police said.

Maui police have since identified the man as Chanse Uyeda of Lahaina.

The incident was reported at 8:17 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, on Lower Honoapiʻilani Road fronting the Kahana Reef condominium complex.

According to police reports, Uyeda was operating a black 2003 Yamaha Zuma moped, and was headed south on Lower Honoapiʻilani Road when he crossed the center line and collided head-on into a 2011 Ford Fusion, traveling in the opposite direction.

Uyeda was initially transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center for treatment, but later died of his injuries, police said.

According to police reports, the operator of the Fusion, a 37-year-old man from Arlington, Virginia, and his 37-year-old wife who was a passenger, were uninjured.  Police say both were wearing seat belts.

Police say Uyeda was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

This was the ninth traffic fatality on Maui County roads this year, compared to 15 at the same time last year, police said.

***Supporting information courtesy: Lt.  C. Uedoi, Traffic Section Commander