HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR_03-18-23Hit-and-runresultsincriticalinjuriessuspectarrested.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 18, 2023
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
(808) 241-1600
Hit-and-run results in critical injuries; suspect arrested
ŌMA‘O – Police have arrested the driver believed to be involved in a hit-and-run crash that
occurred Friday afternoon in Ōma‘o, which left a bicyclist in critical condition.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to a report of a traffic crash
involving a vehicle and a bicyclist on Kaumuali‘i Highway, in the vicinity of Maluhia Road.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the bicyclist, a 65-year-old woman of Lithuania, was
traveling westbound on the shoulder of Kaumuali‘i Highway when she was struck from behind by a
truck, which was also traveling westbound. The driver involved had fled the scene prior to the arrival of
first responders.
Upon arrival, responding firefighters from the Kalāheo fire station found the bicyclist, who was
wearing a helmet, with severe injuries to her leg and injuries to her head. She was treated on scene
before being transported to Wilcox Hospital and then later medevaced to O‘ahu where she remains in
critical condition.
Witnesses to the crash described the truck involved as a Toyota Tundra, which led officers to
locate the driver a short time later. Kib Hoopii, age 45 of Kapa‘a, was subsequently arrested for
Negligent Injury in the First Degree, Accidents Involving Death or Serious Injury, Reckless Driving, and
Inattention to Driving. He is currently being held in cellblock with bail set at $100,000.
Kaumuali‘i Highway was closed in both directions for approximately 1.5 hours while the Kaua‘i
Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an on-scene investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Kib Hoopii, age 45 of Kapa‘a
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Kaua‘i Police Department PIO
EMAIL: kpdpio@kauai.gov