A Kapa‘a man is dead after he was struck by a vehicle Wednesday night while riding his moped in Anahola.
This is the third traffic fatality on the Garden Island this year.
Kaua‘i police responded to the collision at approximately 7:45 p.m. on Kūhiō Highway, fronting the Anahola Marketplace. Preliminary reports indicate that a 2012 Toyota sedan, operated by a 77-year-old man, was making a left turn into the Anahola Marketplace from the highway when it was struck on the side by a black moped.
The moped was operated by 38-year-old Tristen Kuehu, who suffered fatal injuries at the scene, according to a Kaua‘i County news release Thursday. According to preliminary information, he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Kūhiō Highway was closed in both directions for approximately two and a half hours while the Kaua‘i Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an on-scene investigation. Traffic was diverted onto Keālia Road during the closure.
Toxicology results are pending to determine whether impairment was a contributing factor.
The Kaua‘i Police Department reminds everyone to ride and drive safely. All road users are required to obey all traffic laws, stay alert, and share the road safely.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call Officer Joseph Himongala at 808-241-1617. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300, submitting a tip at crimestopperskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips Mobile App.
