2 killed in West Hawaii crashes

Police cite alcohol as a factor in an early morning pileup that involved three cars

KAILUA-KONA » Two unrelated fatal auto accidents took place yesterday in West Hawaii, one of them linked to alcohol.

Police responded to a 4:49 a.m. call to Queen Kaahumanu Highway immediately above central Kailua-Kona and found a three-car accident with one person dead.

She was identified as Cristina Galutira, 66, of Kailua-Kona, a passenger in the second of the three cars.

Police determined that a southbound 2006 Ford sedan crossed the center line and struck an oncoming 2004 Honda sedan in which Galutira was riding. Her husband, 69, driving the car, was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he underwent surgery. No condition was available.

After the first collision, a northbound 1999 Plymouth sedan hit the Ford. The driver of the Plymouth, a 61-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was listed in stable condition after the crash.

The driver of the Ford, a 22-year-old Keauhou woman, was treated for minor injuries and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, negligent homicide and two counts of negligent injury.

At around 1 p.m., police got another call to Mamalahoa Highway at Puuanahulu, 15 miles to the northeast. A 1993 Acura sedan heading north and driven by a 35-year-old Pahoa man crossed the center line and hit a 2005 Chevrolet sedan headed south.

An 11-year-old Pepeekeo boy in the Acura, the nephew of the driver, died at North Hawaii Community Hospital following the accident, police said. The uncle was also taken there, but his condition was not given.

The 40-year-old man driving the Chevrolet was not injured.

There was "light rain" at the time, but police did not say if weather caused the accident.