(Update) Police Identify Woman Killed in Kea‘au Traffic Collision  

Hawai‘i Island police have identified the woman who died in a single-vehicle traffic collision in Kea‘au on Monday, March 31, 2025, as 45-year-old Renoo Gilbert of Kea‘au.

Responding to a 9:34 p.m. call, police determined that a 2018 Nissan Sentra four-door sedan was traveling east on Maku‘u Drive in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision when it failed to stop at the posted stop sign at the intersection of Maku‘u Drive and Ala Heiau Road. The vehicle continued traveling east, striking a rock wall.

Gilbert, who was the lone occupant in the vehicle, was unresponsive at the scene. She was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased at 11:34 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe that alcohol, inattention, and not wearing a seatbelt, were the primary factors in the crash.

A coroner’s inquest has been initiated and if anyone has information regarding this collision they are asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 9th traffic fatality of 2025 as compared to 5 traffic fatalities this same time last year.