A 39-year-old Pahoa man and father of three who died last week when his motorcycle hit a pickup truck was remembered on social media as a devoted family man and faithful friend.
The driver of the pickup, Gaelynn Kahee, 28, of Pahoa, has been charged with third-degree negligent homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and driving without a license. She was in custody in lieu of $6,000 bail pending an initial court appearance today, the Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported.
Police said Ernest Jackson of Pahoa was riding his 1996 Yamaha motorcycle north on Highway 130 when the driver of a southbound 1991 Nissan pickup turned left onto Highway 132, failing to yield the right of way. Jackson’s motorcycle broadsided the truck in the intersection.
According to police, Kahee fled the scene but later turned herself in at the Pahoa police station and was arrested on suspicion of second-degree negligent homicide, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and driving without a license.
Jackson, a homebuilder and owner-operator of Full Spectrum Home Improvements, lived with his family in Kalapana Seaview Estates.
His wife, Jenn, posted on Facebook that her husband was “the brightest light in my life.”
“I feel like I may crumble. To all who have reached out, thank you,” she said. “I’m not quite sure what to do now … riding waves of grief and yet having moments of peace knowing he is able to do the one thing he said was his greatest wish … fly. Please hold his amazing children in your heart. Envision them surrounded by ever-present love as we all take this journey of grief. Think of Ernest’s smile and infectious laugh.”
Jackson’s former wife, Jennifer Rose Mydock, said she was “engulfed” by sorrow.
“Our love was a grand 20-year adventure. He was so peaceful,” Mydock said. “We love you and will carry you for the rest of our days. I love you sweet, sweet man. Thank you for shining so bright.”
Mark Hinshaw, a longtime Pahoa community leader, described Jackson as “a best friend.”
“He built my home and was always there for me when I needed help,” Hinshaw said. “The world lost a very good soul.”
A GoFundMe online page titled “Memorial for Ernest Jackson” had raised $2,895 of a $5,000 goal in four hours Friday.
8 from Hawaii join Texas aid efforts
As of Sunday eight Red Cross volunteers from Hawaii have deployed or will be deployed to Texas to help with the response to Harvey. One Hawaii island volunteer deployed to Houston to help ensure the safety and security of volunteers and assets. Seven other volunteers were to deploy Sunday or today: three from the Big Island, two from Maui, one from Molokai and one from Oahu.
Others are on standby, the Red Cross Hawaii chapter said Sunday.
