MEDIA RELEASE

After conferring with prosecutors, Big Island police have released 33-year-old Sonny D. Kalawe of Keaʻau from police custody pending further investigation.

Kalawe was being held after his arrest in connection with a motor vehicle/pedestrian crash Sunday (December 16) in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision in Puna.

The crash on 29th Avenue killed 29-year-old Beke Robert Jr. of Keaʻau.

Responding to a 2:40 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that Kalawe was operating a 2000 Ford Explorer multi-purpose vehicle and was reversing from a private driveway when Beke either fell or jumped out of the vehicle and was run over.

Kalawe was arrested for negligent homicide in the first degree, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, no no-fault insurance, inattention to driving and no operator’s license.