A 27-year-old Kona woman died early this morning when the car she was riding in  hit a utility pole on Mamalahoa Highway in Kailua-Kona.

Police identified the victim as Hannah Fergerstrom.

They said speed and drugs appear to be factors in the crash.

Police said Fergerstrom was a passenger in a 2000 Volkswagen traveling north on the highway near the 27 mile marker, that crossed the centerline and struck a utility pole on the mauka side of the road at about 1:15 a.m.

An ambulance took her to Kona Community Hospital, where she died at 5:45 a.m., police said.

The driver of the sedan, 34-year-old Randall Kawasaki, of Kamuela, also went to the hospital, but his condition wasn’t immediately available.

Police arrested him for suspicion of negligent homicide, manslaughter, driving under the influence, promoting dangerous drugs, drug paraphernalia and not having insurance.

Kawasaki was released pending further investigation.

Police said Fergerstrom and Kawasaki were not wearing seat belts.