Kaua’i police search for driver involved in hit-and-run Tuesday night

Kaua‘i police are searching for the driver involved in a traffic crash that critically injured a bicyclist on Tuesday night in Līhu‘e.

Shortly after 8:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to Rice Street fronting the Līhu‘e Town Plaza after it was reported that a bicyclist was struck by a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle left the scene prior to the arrival of first responders, police said in a news release.

According to a preliminary investigation, the bicyclist, a 47-year-old male from Līhu‘e, was traveling westbound on Rice Street when he was struck from behind by a white Toyota Tacoma that was also traveling west. The Tacoma was described to have an extra cab and pipe racks.

The bicyclist was treated on the scene and transported to Wilcox Medical Center in critical condition.

Rice Street was closed in both directions for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, while the Kauaʻi Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an on-scene investigation.

The crash remains under police investigation, and anyone with information about this incident is urged to call Officer Hanna with the Traffic Safety Section at 808-241-1615. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i at 808-246-8300 or via www.cskauai.org.