Hawai‘i Island police identified two pedestrians killed in separate East Hawaiʻi traffic collisions.

On April 20, Puna patrol officers responded to a traffic collision near Highway 130 and Paradise Drive in Kea‘au and determined that a 2017 Honda HRV was traveling south on Highway 130 when it struck a pedestrian in the south bound lane while they were crossing Highway 130, north of the Paradise Drive. The pedestrian killed in this collision has been identified as 62-year-old Lara Chun, of Kea‘au. An autopsy was conducted, however the pathologist’s completed report is still pending. At this time there have been no criminal charges filed relative to this investigation.

On Sunday, May 14, Puna patrol officers responded to a traffic collision near Highway 11 and Glenwood Park in Volcano where they determined that a 2003 Toyota Tacoma was traveling north on Highway 11 when it struck a male pedestrian who was located in the northbound shoulder lane.

The vehicle’s driver, Patrick Murphy, was initially arrested for the incident but was later released pending further investigation after conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office.

The pedestrian killed in the collision has been identified as 42-year-old Justin Rupert of Volcano. An autopsy was conducted, however the pathologist’s completed report is still pending at this time.

Both investigations continue to be investigated by the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit. HPD asks anyone who has any information regarding these incidents to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Durate@HawaiiCounty.gov.