Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a three-vehicle traffic collision in Hilo that tragically left two women dead. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 23, 2024, and involved a 2007 Honda Accord, a 2016 Acura sedan, and a 2019 Subaru Forester.
The driver of the Honda, identified as 42-year-old Aja-Ly Iopa from Hilo, and the front seat passenger, 43-year-old Sencirea Cabral from Kurtistown, were pronounced deceased at Hilo Medical Center. Both women appeared to not be wearing their seatbelts at the time of the collision. Autopsies have been ordered to determine the exact causes of death.
According to reports, the Honda lost control while traveling south on Kanoelehua Avenue, near Piilani Street, and veered into oncoming north-bound traffic. The Honda first clipped the Acura sedan and was then broadsided by the Subaru Forester.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Officer Laurence Davis can be contacted for information at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiicounty.gov. Anonymous tips can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
In a statement, the police mentioned that speed and not using seatbelts seem to be the primary factors in the collision. This tragic incident marks the 10th and 11th traffic fatalities of 2024 on Hawai‘i Island, with three of them occurring in just a week, compared to five fatalities during the same period last year.