Hit-and-run victim sees
suspect at arraignment

HANALEI, Kauai » A Kauai woman who was seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident last month got her first look at the man accused of the crime.

Byron Say, 36, of Hanalei pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of an accident involving bodily injury, a Class B felony comparable to fleeing the scene of an accident, first-degree negligent injury, third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and operating a vehicle under the influence of intoxicants (drugs).

But in a packed courtroom, the victim, Lisa J. Wilson, received the most attention, barely a week out of the hospital after suffering life-threatening injuries, including a half-dozen broken bones and internal injuries.

In a wheelchair and looking frail, Wilson, 48, of Puhi, sat quietly as Say was arraigned before Hanalei District Judge Trudy Senda.

Say was also quiet as his lawyer, June Ikemoto, pleaded not guilty for him.

The only departure from normal at the usually quick hearing was Deputy County Prosecutor Thomas Haia's request for additional bail for Say.

Senda partially granted his request, raising the bail over the objections of Ikemoto to $8,000 from $5,000, and requiring Say to avoid contact with witnesses, stay away from alcohol and drugs, and report twice a week to the Kauai Intake Service Center.

According to police, Say was traveling on Kuhio Highway just past the Hanalei Bridge on June 25 when he ran into the back of the motorcycle on which Wilson was a passenger, throwing her from the bike.

Before his pickup truck came to a stop, police said, Wilson was run over.

The driver of the pickup left his inoperable vehicle and ran through the taro patches that abut the highway before being arrested about 15 to 20 minutes later, police said.