Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a recent Pohoiki Beach traffic-related incident that left a 61-year-old man in critical condition.  
 
On Tuesday, April 4, Puna patrol officers and Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel responded to the Pohoiki Beach Park entrance after receiving a report that a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle. The officers determined the victim was a security guard at Pohoiki. He was transported via ambulance to Hilo Medical Center and later flown to the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu.
 
Because the circumstances were unclear, Area I Criminal Investigation Section personnel were assigned to investigate. Detectives spoke with a witness who reported that after the incident occurred, a red pick-up truck with either pipe packs or a metal dog cage was seen leaving the area without its headlights illuminated. It is believed the truck hit another parked vehicle and the victim.
This case is currently classified as a negligent injury.
 
Police ask anyone who may have information relative to the case to contact the Police Department’s Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit at (808) 961-2391, or the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.