(BIVN) – The driver who was killed in a single-vehicle crash on North Kulani Road on Friday evening has been identified by police.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department reports 42-year-old Kainalu Rabusitz of Mountain View was the lone occupant of the Toyota pickup that struck a tree and overturned, just south of Stainback Highway. Rabusitz was found unresponsive at the scene, and was pronounced dead at 10:32 p.m.
From the Hawaiʻi Police:
At 10:07 p.m., police responded to a report of a traffic collision on North Kulani Road, just south of Stainback Highway. Investigators determined that Rabusitz was driving a green 1998 Toyota pickup truck south on North Kulani Road when he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to go onto the right side shoulder where it struck a tree and overturned.
Rabusitz, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle, was found unresponsive at the scene. Fire and medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced deceased at 10:32 p.m.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
At this time, police believe that speed, not wearing a seatbelt, alcohol, and/or drugs may be factors in this collision.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to please contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 26th traffic fatality on Hawai‘i Island in 2026 compared to 17 this time last year.
