Parking Lot Crash Claims Life of 3-Year-Old Hilo Girl

A 3-year-old Hilo girl died following a single vehicle crash Tuesday night, March 7, 2017 in the parking lot of an apartment complex of the 100 block of Puʻuʻeo Street on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi.

The girl has since been identified by police as Kawenalanionapua Low-Hopeau.

Responding to a 6:26 p.m. call, police determined that a 2008 Ford sports-utility vehicle was traveling north through the parking lot of the apartment complex and struck the 3-year-old pedestrian.

Low-Hopeau was taken to the Hilo Medical Center where she was succumbed to her injuries.

The driver of the Ford, a 66-year-old Hilo woman, was not injured.

Police say they do not believe that speed or alcohol were factors. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Clarence Acob at (808) 961-2293 or email: [email protected]. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island wide Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.