MEDIA RELEASE

A 79-year-old Hilo woman died Tuesday (Sept. 14) from injuries she sustained in a motor vehicle/pedestrian collision at the intersection of Kinoole Street and Haili Street in downtown Hilo.

The victim was identified as Tomiko K. Shimazu, of a Hilo address.

Responding to an 8:47 a.m. call, South Hilo patrol officers determined the victim was crossing Kinoole Street in an easterly direction from the southwest corner and in the crosswalk when she was struck by a 2005 Ford F-150 pickup truck making a left turn from Haili Street.

The truck was being operated by a 62-year-old Hilo man.

Fire Department rescue personnel took the victim to Hilo Medical Center, where she died at 12:02 p.m.

The driver of the truck was not injured.

Police do not believe that speed, alcohol or drugs were factors in this crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police urge anyone who may have witnessed the crash call Officer Robert Pauole at 961-8119.

This is the 21st traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 19 at this time last year.