A police investigation is underway after a 41-year-old homeless woman gave birth on a downtown Hilo sidewalk Tuesday evening. Hilo Patrol officers along with Hawai‘i County Fire Department personnel responded to the intersection of Mamo and Keawe Streets after receiving reports of a woman who had given birth on the sidewalk and was reportedly dragging the newborn who was still attached by the umbilical cord. Responding medics located the woman and cut the cord. They then tended to the infant girl who was breathing, but not moving. The baby was then transported via ambulance to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room. After medical personnel separated the baby the mother, the woman began leaving the area but was immediately located by police and taken into custody for abandonment of a child. She was also transported to the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment. After being provided pediatric care, doctors determined the baby girl was in good condition. She was transferred to the custody of Child Welfare Services.
The mother was released from police custody pending further investigation as she was admitted to the hospital for further treatment and observation. Upon completion of this investigation, appropriate charges will be routed to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, for review and final disposition. Police ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact Detective Patrick Aurello of the Area I Juvenile Aid Section at (808) 961-8810, or via email at patrick.aurello@hawaiicounty.gov.