This year fatalities from traffic accidents and drownings were up slightly from 2002, according to statistics supplied by the County of Kaua‘i. There were five traffic fatalities in 2003, compared to four in 2002; drownings were also up one, with
This year fatalities from traffic accidents and drownings were up slightly from 2002, according to statistics supplied by the County of Kaua‘i.
There were five traffic fatalities in 2003, compared to four in 2002; drownings were also up one, with nine suspected drownings compared to eight in 2002.
One of the people who passed away was classified as a suspected drowning. Kim Hufft, a North Shore resident was found in the water near Anini Beach, with all her clothes and jewelry, on November 29. Police are still waiting for the results from a toxicology report before they classify the cause of her death, said Cyndi Mei Ozaki, county spokeswoman.
Of the nine drowning deaths (including the suspected drowning of Hufft), three were on the North Shore, three were on the South Shore, one was at Salt Pond State Park, and two were in a river or stream (Wailua and Kipu). Of the eight confirmed drownings, four were while snorkeling, two were while swimming, one was while surfing, and one man was swept off coastal rocks. Five drownings (including Hufft) occurred in the last two months of the year.
The 2003 traffic accidents resulting in fatalities happened in Wailua, Anahola, Koloa, and two in Kalaheo. All the traffic fatalities occurred to males under the age of 25. Four of the five were under the age of 20.
