There have now been as many traffic fatalities in less than two months this year than in all of 2002.
Amy Tamura, 78, of Lihu‘e, died at Wilcox Memorial Hospital Wednesday after an 8:49 a.m. two-car accident at the entrance to the Kauai Community Correctional Center.
Her 72-year-old female passenger was critically injured in the Kuhio Highway crash, and remained in critical condition last night.
Tamura is the fourth Kaua‘i resident killed in traffic-related accidents since the beginning of the year. There were five Kaua‘i traffic fatalities in 2003, and four in 2002.
According to county officials, Tamura was making a left turn from the northbound lane of Kuhio Highway into KCCC in a 1990 Dodge two-door station wagon.
The vehicle was hit by a 1992 Jeep multi-purpose vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, driven by a 32-year-old woman from Kapa‘a. The driver and three occupants were treated at Wilcox and later released.
An autopsy will be performed to determine Tamura’s exact cause of death, said Ozaki.
In another accident, Thursday morning, a 74-year-old Lawa‘i woman was hit by a car while crossing Kaumuali‘i Highway in a crosswalk in front of the Lawa‘i post office, leaving her in critical condition.
She was crossing the highway at 7:40 a.m. when she was hit by a westbound 2002 Jeep four-door SUV driven by a 50-year-old Koloa woman.
The pedestrian was transported to Wilcox in critical condition, and was later flown by air ambulance to The Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu.
The driver of the vehicle was not injured, Ozaki said. The driver has not been cited for any traffic violation, although an investigation is ongoing, Ozaki said.
It is unclear whether speed played a factor in either of the crashes, said Ozaki.
As for the unusual number of fatal crashes so far in 2002 (including one involving a pedestrian), Ozaki said people need to pay attention to the road, conditions and other drivers while behind the wheel.
“The Kaua‘i Police Department urges the driving public to drive attentively, observe all traffic laws, and always wear your seat belt.”
Staff Writer Tom Finnegan may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or mailto:finnegan@pulitzer.net.
