Hanapēpē Man Arrested Following Hit-And-Run Crash Involving Elderly Pedestrian

A Kaua‘i man faces several charges after a hit-and-run traffic crash that involved an elderly pedestrian earlier this month in Kapa‘a.

The Kaua‘i Police Department reports that 23-year-old Kalen Badua-Macadangdang of Hanapēpē was arrested following the crash July 2 on a portion of Kūhiō Highway. Badua-Macadangdang was charged with first-degree negligent injury, accidents involving serious bodily injury, inattention to driving, reckless driving, driving without a license and operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.

According to a preliminary report, the crash happened at about 9 p.m. near the Kukui Street intersection. An on-scene investigation revealed that a Chevrolet truck, operated by Badua-Macadangdang, drove onto the southbound sidewalk and struck an 81-year-old Kīlauea man.

The driver fled the scene, continuing southbound on Kūhiō Highway. A witness to the crash assisted in identifying the vehicle as it fled and reported it to police, which led to Badua-Macadangdang’s apprehension.

The 81-year-old male sustained multiple facial fractures and other injuries. He was admitted to Wilcox Medical Center in Līhuʻe in serious condition but was later released.

Speed does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

The southbound direction of Kūhiō Highway was closed for about 75 minutes following the crash and traffic was diverted onto side streets.