HPD
Jeremy Kawika Lee
HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT Jeremy Kawika Lee, 39
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A 39-year-old man accused in the deadly hit-and-run of a 76-year-old physician in Mokuleia has a history of speeding.
Jeremy Kawika Lee appeared at his arraignment before Judge Colette Garibaldi via closed-circuit video link from the Oahu Community Correctional Center on Tuesday after he was charged with first-degree negligent homicide and
accidents involving death
or serious bodily injury in the death of Dr. Eugene Chin of Mokuleia.
Deputy Public Defender Lee Hayakawa entered a not-guilty plea to the charges.
Garibaldi confirmed his aggregate bail at $75,000 and set his trial for January.
Both first-degree negligent homicide and accidents
involving death or serious bodily injury are Class B felonies. Each offense carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
On the morning of Sept. 30, Chin was walking his dog on the shoulder of Farrington Highway near Dillingham Airfield when a vehicle traveling eastbound on the road struck him.
Chin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the vehicle fled after the collision. Speed and alcohol were
believed to be factors in the crash.
CrimeStoppers Honolulu issued a bulletin Nov. 5 seeking the public’s help in locating Lee, who was wanted on a $75,000 warrant in connection with the hit-and-run after witnesses identified him as the driver.
Police arrested him that night in the Sand Island area.
Court records show Lee has a history of speeding. Police cited him four times for speeding between 1997 and February.
In December 2008 prosecutors charged Lee with operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. He pleaded no contest to the charge at District Court, Ewa Division in Pearl City.