70-year-old pedestrian killed in hit-and-run crash in Kīhei; suspected driver arrested

A 70-year-old Māʻalaea man suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a vehicle during a hit-and-run collision in Kīhei on Monday night.

The incident was reported at 9:02 p.m. on May 12, 2025 at the intersection of East Līpoa Street and Kupaliki Loop.

A preliminary police investigation reveals that a red pickup truck was traveling eastbound on East Līpoa Street at a high rate of speed when it struck the pedestrian who was crossing the roadway in a northerly direction.  Police say the driver of the pickup fled the scene without stopping to check on the pedestrian or render aid.

As a result of the collision, the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene, according to department reports. The victim’s identity is currently being withheld pending next of kin notification.

Shortly after the incident, a concerned citizen reported a red 2023 Toyota Tacoma operating recklessly on Maui Veterans Highway, leaving the Kīhei area, according to police. Officers located the vehicle and contacted the driver, a 42-year-old Wailuku man. The individual was subsequently arrested on suspicion of first degree negligent homicide and collisions involving death. He was transported to the Wailuku Police Station, where he remains in custody.

Police say the involvement of speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors in this incident. The involvement of drugs is pending as the investigation is ongoing.

This was Maui County’s 10th traffic fatality for 2025, compared to five at the same time last year.