KOLOA — A Lawa‘i man was arrested in connection with a traffic crash that claimed the life of a Kalaheo resident on Friday evening.
Keola DeCosta, 42, was taken into custody on charges of negligent homicide in the first degree, negligent injury in the first degree, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, resisting arrest, accident involving death, reckless driving and inattention to driving, the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) said.
He was later released pending further investigation of the incident, which was the first fatal traffic crash of the year.
According to details of a preliminary investigation, a 2023 Tacoma pickup was traveling westbound on Po‘ipu Road fronting the Kiahuna Shopping Center at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Friday. The Tacoma then rear-ended a 2014 Hyundai Accent which resulted in both vehicles leaving the roadway.
Details released by the police department state when medics and police arrived at the scene, both vehicles were in the bushes off the westbound road shoulder.
DeCosta, the driver of the Tacoma, was not injured in the accident. The 69-year-old male driver of the Hyundai, whose name was not released, suffered fatal injuries.
A passenger in the Hyundai, identified as a 25-year-old woman from Kalaheo, suffered serious injuries. She has since been taken to the Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu. She was listed in stable condition.
During the on-scene investigation by the KPD’s Traffic Safety Section, Po‘ipu Road was closed in both directions for approximately three hours. Speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the crash.
KPD is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call 808-241-1616.
Witnesses wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i at 808-246-8300 or at cskauai.org.
So he was arrested on five serious felony charges, and then “released pending further investigation.” Who is he connected to at KPD?
Realeased pending investigation is mind blowing to me !! This dude needs to be held accountable for his stupidity !!
There’s a DeCosta seated on the county council. Maybe that’s why he’s back on the street. Apparently homicide isn’t a high level crime on Kauai.
Even if he doesn’t end up doing 15 years in prison, he’ll lose the wrongful death civil lawsuit, and end up paying the victim’s family a sizeable fortune for the rest of his life. Get used to those homeless shelters, Keola, because when it’s all said and done, you won’t have a nickel to your name for the rest of your life.
Very sad event – Keola is a very loving person and a bad choice caused so much harm for all involved.