Elderly Woman Critically Injured in Hilo Traffic Collision

An elderly Hilo woman was critically injured and an elderly Hilo man was arrested for DUI following a single motor-vehicle collision on Thursday, January 30, 2025, on Kaumana Drive, just below Aipuni Street, in Hilo.

Responding to the 4:54 p.m. call, police determined that a 2007 Honda Pilot multi-purpose vehicle operated by an 84-year-old man, later identified as Ken Rosene, was traveling in a west direction on Kaumana Drive when it veered to the right and into a ditch. The vehicle then struck a rock embankment causing the vehicle to completely stop and block the westbound lane.  Multiple witnesses were interviewed at the scene.

The 86-year-old female front seat passenger was observed to be unresponsive at the scene.  Hawai‘i Fire Department (HFD) rescue personnel arrived on scene and were able to extricate her from the vehicle and she started to respond physically, but not verbally. She was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center and subsequently transported to Queens Hospital on Oahu where she is currently being treated.

Rosene was also transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he received treatment for his injury and was eventually discharged. Upon release, Rosene was arrested operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant and first-degree negligent injury. After conferral with the Hawai‘i County Prosecutor’s Office, Rosene was released pending investigation on Friday afternoon, January 31.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe alcohol to be a factor in this investigation.

A negligent injury investigation has been initiated and if anyone has information regarding this collision, they may contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.