Accident scene photo. Click on image above for more photos. Special to Hawaii 24/7
MEDIA RELEASE
Big Island police are seeking witnesses to a fatal crash Sunday on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11), .9 miles north of the 87-mile-marker in South Kona.
Responding to a 6:12 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that a 26-year-old man from HÅnaunau was operating a 2007 Honda two-door sedan and traveling south on Route 11 when he crossed the centerline and collided with a 1999 Saturn four-door sedan traveling north.
The driver of the Saturn, 31-year-old Stella Corona of a Kealakekua, died at the scene.
Robert W. Smith, Jr. was arrested for negligent homicide, manslaughter, two counts of negligent injury; habitual operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, driving while license suspended/revoked for DUI and inattention to driving.
Investigators want to speak to witnesses to the crash and anyone who saw Smith driving prior to the accident or observed his activities earlier in the day.
Police ask that they call Officer Thomas Koyanagi at 326-4646, extension 229.
Stella IS my sister and today IS her birthday.
My mother was in the car as well and she is still in ICU.
I love you Jamin and we will get though this.
I know justice will be served.
Please call the Kona police if you have any information.