MEDIA RELEASE

A 27-year-old Kona woman died Tuesday (January 15) following a one-car crash on Māmalahoa Highway (Route 190) in Kailua-Kona.

She was identified as Hannah Fergerstrom of Kailua-Kona.

In response to a 1:15 a.m. call Tuesday, police determined that a 2000 Volkswagen two-door sedan traveling north on Māmalahoa Highway at the 27-mile marker lost control, crossed the centerline and struck a utility pole on the makai side of the road.

Fergerstrom, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where she died at 5:45 a.m.

The driver of the Volkswagen, 34-year-old Randall Kawasaki of Kamuela, was taken to North Hawaiiʻi Community Hospital.

Neither occupant was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Kawasaki was arrested for negligent homicide, manslaughter, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, promoting dangerous drugs, drug paraphernalia and no insurance. After conferring with prosecutors, police released Kawasaki pending further investigation.

Police believe that speed and drug use may have been factors in the crash.

This is the second fatality this year compared with none at this time last year.