2 drivers released, 1 nabbed in major traffic accidents

Police released two drivers involved in major traffic crashes and arrested a third driver who allegedly fled the scene of a fatal accident in the Punahou area.

At 9 p.m. Thursday, police arrested a 44-year-old Hawaii Kai man at his home in connection with a hit-and run accident in which 89-year-old Miyako Hashimoto died. She was hit Wednesday while crossing Beretania Street near Punahou Street. The man was arrested for investigation of accidental death.

Police had been searching for a suspect who was driving a black enduro motorcycle and has injuries to both forearms, which he received when he fell off his skidding motorcycle before he fled the scene, police said.

On Thursday, police released a 24-year-old Kalihi man who was arrested on suspicion of third-degree negligent homicide after his black Envoy sport utility vehicle struck a 38-year-old homeless man crossing Kalihi Street near Manaiki Place at about 9:50 p.m. Wednesday. Police said the victim was dragged several blocks. The vehicle stopped at Nalanieha Street near Likelike Highway.

The Medical Examiner’s Office is still trying to contact relatives of the victim, who was in the middle of the road when he was struck. He suffered injuries to his head and body and died at the scene, police said.

Police also released a 26-year-old Makiki man who was driving a Honda sedan that hit a bicyclist on Ward Avenue Thursday.

Paramedics took the 62-year-old bicyclist to the hospital in extremely critical condition.

Police arrested the driver at the scene on suspicion of drunken driving and first-degree negligent injury.

A witness told police the driver of the Honda was traveling Ewa on Lunalilo Street and turning right onto Ward Avenue. However, the Honda driver only slowed for the red light but did not come to a complete stop before making the right turn. The bicyclist also crossed when the "do not walk" sign was flashing, police said. The bicyclist was traveling makai on Ward Avenue and was turning left into Lunalilo Street in a marked crosswalk when he was hit by the sedan.

Speed and alcohol may be factors in the crash, police said.

Star-Advertiser reporter Michael Tsai contributed to this report.