Two hospitalized as a result of near fatal motor vehicle collision on Hana Highway

Two people are hospitalized following a two-vehicle collision on the Hāna Highway near Holomua Road in Pāʻia on Thursday afternoon. The incident was reported just before 1:30 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2024,

Police say a preliminary investigation reveals that a black 1997 Nissan pick-up truck was traveling west on Hāna Highway when the Nissan overtook another vehicle that was stopped in traffic, crossed the center line, and then collided into a black 2022 Toyota pick-up truck which was traveling east on Hāna Highway.

As a result of this collision, the operator of the Nissan, a 36-year-old man, and his 20-year-old female passenger, both of Haʻikū, were transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room in critical condition.  The operator of the Toyota, a 48-year-old Haʻikū male, was treated and released on the scene by medic personnel.

Police say the investigation reveals that the Nissan did not have seatbelts at the time of the collision; and the operator of the Toyota was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision. According to police, airbags in both vehicles were deployed as a result of the crash.

The involvement of speed, alcohol, and drugs has not been determined yet as the investigation is ongoing.