Media release from Hawaii County Police

Robert Bungula, from HPD

A Hilo man has been charged with two offenses after his vehicle hit an officer who was directing traffic in a construction zone.

At approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday (October 23), a reserve police officer was directing traffic at the intersection of Kalanianaole Street and Silva Street in the Keaukaha area of Hilo. While he was on the right shoulder of Silva Street with his hands extended in an attempt to stop a Mazda sedan that was driving recklessly, the Mazda failed to stop and struck his left leg.

The Mazda then fled the area.

Wednesday morning (October 24), police arrested 44-year-old Robert Bungula of Hilo. He was charged Wednesday afternoon with failure to render aid and failure to obey a police officer. His bail was set at $1,500.

The officer was treated at Hilo Medical Center for a minor injury and is expected to make a full recovery.

Police remind the public to exercise extreme caution when traveling through construction zones and to be mindful of construction workers and officers who are exposed to danger from their close proximity to passing vehicles.