Police investigate deadly pedestrian traffic crash in Kailua-Kona

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii Island (HawaiiNewsNow) – A man was arrested and charged after a pedestrian died days after a crash on Hawaii Island.

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It happened Saturday, May 30, at around 7:30 p.m. along Old Kona Airport Road.

According to the Hawaii Police Department, a white 2017 Toyota Tacoma was traveling southbound toward Kona on the roadway when it veered off the pavement. The truck continued onto the unfinished gravel area and hit a man walking south on the unpaved portion of the runway.

Police said the pedestrian was taken to Kona Community Hospital by the Hawaii Fire Department before he was airlifted to the Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment

Hospital staff told Hawaii police the man had died Thursday, June 4. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending identification and notification of his family.

The driver of the Tacoma, Janne Labin, 30, of Kailua-Kona, was arrested on the day of the incident.

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After conferring with the Hawaii County Prosecuting Attorney, Labin was charged Monday with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, first-degree negligent injury and reckless driving.

Labin posted bail after his initial court date on Tuesday.

Police have since reclassified the case as second-degree negligent homicide, and additional charges may be pending based on the investigation.

At this time, police said speed, alcohol and inattention were factors in the crash.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at [email protected]. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

The death marks the 16th traffic fatality on Hawaii Island in 2026, compared with 13 traffic fatalities at the same time last year.

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