Hit-and-run crash in Kīhei claims life of 64-year-old woman

Update:

The victim has since been identified as 64-year-old Irene Kauffold. Police say she was known to frequent the Kīhei area. The Maui Police Department extended condolences to Kauffold’s family and friends.

Further investigation revealed the unknown vehicle involved in the collision was a gray 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee.  On Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, at approximately 5:08 p.m., Keith Tanitomi, 61, of Kīhei, was arrested on suspicion of first degree negligent homicide, collisions involving death, reckless driving, and operating a motor vehicle after his license was suspended/ revoked for OVUII.   In addition, he was placed under arrest for four unrelated outstanding warrants.

Tanitomi remained in police custody at last report.

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A 64-year-old woman was killed in a hit-and-run collision reported in South Maui on Thursday night.

The incident was reported at 7:23 p.m., Sept. 5, on Keala Place, 133 feet east of South Kīhei Road in Kīhei.

A preliminary police investigation reveals that a pedestrian was on the sidewalk when an unknown vehicle executed a short radius right turn out of the parking lot located at 1881 South Kīhei Road; proceeded to drive over the curb and onto the sidewalk when it collided into and drove over the pedestrian.   The operator of the unknown vehicle did not stop or render aid to the pedestrian and fled the scene northbound on South Kīhei Road, police said.

As a result of this collision, the pedestrian, a 64-year-old woman known to frequent the Kīhei area, sustained critical life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment, where she later succumbed to her injuries and died. Her identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Police say the involvement of speed, alcohol, or drugs has yet to be determined as the investigation remains ongoing.     

Maui Police Department Vehicular Homicide Unit investigators are working to identify the vehicle and operator that fled the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Cody Tetzloff of the MPD Traffic Division/Vehicular Homicide Unit at 808-244-6363. 

Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can call Maui Crime Stoppers at 808-242-6966.                                   

This was Maui County’s 11th traffic fatality of 2024, compared to 12 at the same time last year.