Waianae school
mourns traffic death
of boy, 10

Kamaile Elementary gets a crisis
team to counsel the other fifth-graders

By Jaymes K. Song
Star-Bulletin

Kamaile Elementary School is mourning the death of one of its fifth-graders who was killed yesterday when a speeding pickup truck ran a red light and struck him in the crosswalk.

The 10-year-old boy, whose identity has not been released, was killed in front of Waianae Intermediate School as he was going to an after-school boxing program at about 4:24 p.m.

The 18-year-old driver of the truck, who fled the scene, was arrested for negligent homicide and hit-and-run, police said. The teen, from Waianae, was released pending further investigation.

"Any death of a child, so sudden, is very unfortunate," said Kamaile principal Alvin Aihara, adding that today was a very difficult time for the school.

He said a crisis team has been brought in to talk with all the 5th-grade classes and the boy's two brothers, who also attend the school.

The boy was crossing Farrington Highway inside a crosswalk when the westbound 1993 Ford Ranger reportedly ran a red light, police said. The truck swerved around a stopped vehicle, hit the boy in the crosswalk, and continued on. It was found at Waianae Boat Harbor, where the arrest was made.

The boy was taken to Waianae Comprehensive Health Care Center and later was airlifted to Queen's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Traffic investigators said speed is a factor. Alcohol use has been ruled out.

Waianae Intermediate School officials said speeding cars along Farrington Highway have always been a problem. Police and school officials remind motorists of a 25-mph speed limit in school zones.