HPD Updated Release:
Hawai‘i Island police have charged 19-year-old Ariana Kahalioumi-Santos of Hilo for an array of offenses after a three-vehicle crash on Highway 11 near Kipimana Street in Kea‘au sent a 40-year-old Kea‘au woman to the hospital in critical condition.
On Friday, September 3, 2021, at 10:34 p.m. officers responding to the vehicle collision determined that Kahalioumi-Santos was driving a 2003 Acura RSX when she rear-ended a 2009 Hyundai Accent at the intersection, propelling that vehicle into a 2017 Chevy SUV.
The 40-year-old woman operating the Hyundai was transported to Hilo Medical Center and subsequently flown to Queens Medical Center on Oahu with critical injuries.
The operator of the Chevy SUV, a 66-year-old Kea‘au woman, was not injured in the incident.
Kahalioumi-Santos, who was not injured in the collision, was arrested at the scene for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, driving a vehicle with a suspended license, and not having car insurance. She was transported to Hilo police station as police continued the investigation. In the course of the investigation, police executed a search warrant on her vehicle and recovered liquor containers and marijuana from the vehicle she was driving.
After conferring with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Kahalioumi-Santos was charged on Saturday, September 4, with negligent injury in the first degree, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, no motor vehicle Insurance, reckless driving, inattention to driving, promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree, operating a vehicle after license suspended or revoked for OVUII, and consuming or possessing liquor while operating a vehicle. Her bail was set at $8,050. She was scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on Tuesday, September 7.
So far this year there have been 739 DUI arrests, an increase of 15.7 percent over the same time last year.
“Police are doing what they can to keep the roads safe but we need help,” said Sergeant Jeremy Riddle of the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit.
“We are continuing to step up efforts to provide safe roads and make sure people drive safe. Police would like to take this opportunity to remind motorists to please drive responsibly, wear your seatbelt, buckle up your children, and don’t take the chance of drinking and driving, it’s just not worth it.”
Police ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information regarding this incident to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or via email Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
ORIGINAL POST:
Today, Prosecuting Attorney Kelden Waltjen announced that a Keaukaha woman, 19 year-old Ariana Kahalioumi-Santos, was charged with negligent injury, DUI, driving with a suspended license, and open container regarding a traffic collision that occurred on September 3rd at the intersection of Highway 11 and Kipimana Street.
As the Complaint alleges, Kahalioumi-Santos was charged with eight (8) offenses including Negligent Injury in the First Degree, Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant (OVUII) with one prior conviction within ten years, Consuming or Possessing Liquor While Operating a Vehicle, Driving After License Suspended for OVUII, Reckless Driving, Inattention to Driving, No No-Fault Insurance, and Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree (marijuana). The most serious offense is Negligent Injury in the First Degree, which is a class C felony offense that carries a maximum penalty of five (5) years in prison.
Kahalioumi-Santos made her initial appearance today in Hilo District Court. Judge Jeffrey Hawk granted defense counsel’s request for supervised release over Prosecutors’ objections and ordered Kahalioumi-Santos to return to court to appear for her preliminary hearing on September 21st in Hilo District Court. Review of court records indicate that at the time of the alleged offense, Kahalioumi-Santos was pending charges for another unrelated Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant incident that occurred in July 2020.
The investigation was handled by Officer Jonathan Rapoza, Puna Patrol, and members of the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit, Hawai‘i Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Herbert Mukai.
The charges are merely allegations, and the Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains dedicated to the pursuit of justice with integrity and commitment. Anyone having information to assist local law enforcement should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in East Hawai‘i or (808) 329-8181 in West Hawai‘i.