Driver in fatal H-1 freeway crash in Kapolei identified

A 46-year-old man was killed after being struck by multiple vehicles in the Kapolei area early Tuesday, and an off-duty deputy sheriff who pulled over to render aid was seriously injured when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, police said.

The Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office identified the 46-year-old man as Ioane Tafaovale, of Waianae.

Police said a white delivery truck operated by the man later identified as Tafaovale was traveling eastbound on the H-1 freeway when the truck and a silver 2001 Chevy pickup truck operated by a 37-year-old man collided shortly before 5 a.m.

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Tafaovale lost control and struck a center median. Upon impact, he was thrown onto the westbound lanes of the freeway where multiple vehicles struck him.

Police said the delivery truck continued on and slammed into a light pole.

The off-duty deputy sheriff, who the Hawaii Department of Public Safety identified as Albert Rosario, 37, pulled over and exited his car to help Tafaovale when a vehicle described as a silver sedan struck Rosario and fled the scene.

Emergency Medical Services treated the deputy and took him to a hospital in serious condition.

Tafaovale was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheriff Al Cummings commended Rosario for his actions to stop and assist. “He didn’t hesitate to help someone in need,” Cummings said in a statement Tuesday.

Officers shut down the eastbound lanes near Kualakai Parkway and westbound lanes by the Ewa offramp as police investigated. All affected lanes were reopened by 8:15 a.m.

Police said speed, alcohol or drugs were not involved.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division at 723-3413 or CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.