Police Investigating After Nā‘ālehu Woman Killed in Ka‘ū Traffic Incident

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a traffic incident in Nā‘ālehu on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in which a 31-year-old Pāhala woman died. The woman has been identified as Shyla Leimanauahilo‘I‘aikeahoakealoha Gouveia.

At approximately 5:37 p.m., officers responded to a report of a serious traffic collision on Nīnole Loop Road near the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway (Highway 11).

Preliminary investigations indicate that a blue 2020 Honda Civic, operated by a 45-year-old Nā‘ālehu woman, was traveling westbound when Gouveia, the front-seat passenger, exited the moving vehicle under unknown circumstances.

The operator of the vehicle stopped and rendered aid after contacting authorities. Gouveia sustained critical injuries and was transported to Ka‘ū Community Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at 6:42 p.m.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is urged to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at ansel.robinson@hawaiicounty.gov. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 8th traffic fatality this year compared to 5 at this time last year.