Relatives of an 86-year-old woman who was fatally struck by a vehicle in Pearl City are urging motorists to stay alert while driving.
Cecilia Palaroan of Makawao, Maui, died Monday after she was hit by a 2004 Toyota truck driven by a 54-year-old man on Lehua Avenue near Third Street.
"We just want to promote awareness that there’s a lot of elderly people on that road," said Palaroan’s granddaughter Pulama Lima. "If people can just be careful when they drive and be alert — we know it wasn’t anything malicious and it was an accident, but if we can all be more mindful of that area, then that would be great."
Palaroan had left her sister’s home and was headed for a dental appointment when she was hit by the truck at 6:03 a.m., while walking to a bus stop.
Speed and alcohol were not considered factors in the accident, police said.
Palaroan died of multiple blunt force injuries, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. The accident marks the 22nd pedestrian fatality on Oahu this year.
Whether Palaroan was in a crosswalk at the time of the accident was unclear Tuesday.
Police said she was not in the crosswalk when she was hit. However, relatives said an officer told them she was.
Lima said, "I know my grandma. She would not cross (a street) without a crosswalk. She was careful. She would make sure there were no cars" before she crossed. "She would wait 20 minutes if she had to."
Palaroan regularly traveled to Oahu for routine health care appointments and to visit relatives. When on Oahu she stayed with her sister, who lives in Pearl City.
Lima said government officials should consider installing signs or speed bumps in the neighborhood.
Describing her grandmother as a spunky and warm-hearted woman who loved line dancing, hula and travel, Lima said she and other relatives are still grappling with Palaroan’s death.
"She was very healthy, energetic," she said. "We were looking forward to a lot more time with her."
Her life’s passion was her family, her granddaughter said. "Her favorite thing to do was spend time with family."
Lima said Palaroan will be remembered for her loving spirit. "She had so much love for everyone."
Palaroan is survived by son Antonio Palaroan, daughters Charlotte Thomas and Veronica Lucas, sister Lucy Genobaga, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services are pending.
