Woman dies in early New Year’s Day crash on Kūhiō Highway

Talia Jimenez has been identified as the victim of the fatal single-vehicle crash on the Garden Isle on New Year’s Day, police said.

According to the Kaua’i Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 on Kūhiō Highway near the Wilcox Medical Center in Lihue. A 2006 Toyota truck traveling southbound struck a stone wall and a utility pole along the shoulder.

The driver and sole occupant was identified as 21-year-old Talia Jimenez of Kōloa. She suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her death marked Kauaʻi’s first traffic fatality of 2026.

Kūhiō Highway was closed in both directions for about three hours while police conducted an on-scene investigation and Kaua’i Island Utility Cooperative crews worked to clear downed power lines.

Preliminary findings indicate speed may have been a contributing factor, investigators said. Toxicology results are pending to determine whether impairment played a role.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call Officer Himongala at 808-241-1617. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300.