At approximately 7:23 p.m. Thursday, September 5, 2024, a pedestrian was struck by a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Keala Place near S Kihei Road in Kihei, Hawaii. The Jeep, driven by Keith Tanitomi (61) veered onto a sidewalk where it struck the pedestrian, a 64-year-old female, causing critical, life-threatening injuries. She was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment where she later succumbed to her injuries.
On September 7, the Maui Police Department identified the victim as 64-year-old Irene Kauffold.
Tanitomi fled the scene but was arrested the following day, facing multiple charges, including Negligent Homicide, Reckless Driving, and outstanding warrants.
A Tragic Loss of Life
This tragic incident is another in a string of hit-and-run collisions involving pedestrians in the Kihei area. In April, a 34-year-old woman was left fighting for her life after she was struck on South Kihei Road near Namau’u Place. Just weeks before, a 50-year-old man was found dead after being struck on Piikea Avenue.
Pedestrian collisions are a concern in Kihei, as in many other areas of Maui, particularly due to the town’s combination of busy roads, tourist traffic, and pedestrian activity. South Kihei Road, a major thoroughfare, can see high volumes of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, which increases the risk of accidents.
That all three of these collisions involved hit-and-run drivers is also, unfortunately not surprising. In fact, nationally, nearly 1 in 4 pedestrian deaths involve a hit-and-run driver. There are many reasons why drivers leave the scene in pedestrian crashes. They may panic or fear the gravity of what has happened and the legal consequences. They may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A lack of witnesses, especially in rural or low-light situations, may make them feel as though they can get away with it. Or even, as was the case in this situation, the driver may have existing legal or financial concerns.
Irene Kauffol and Her Family Deserve Justice
According to Brett Schreiber, Partner at Singleton Schreiber, whatever the reason a driver leaves the scene, it makes a tragic situation more difficult. “Unfortunately, when a collision occurs, drivers may panic and flee the scene, turning tragic accidents into hit-and-run cases that make it even harder for victims and their families to seek justice,” he said.
While the driver of the vehicle that killed 64-year-old Irene Kauffold has been arrested and will face charges, the criminal justice system cannot help with the often devastating financial fallout of the sudden loss of a loved one. In this case, her family may have other options to pursue justice. This may include:
A Wrongful Death Claim to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and mental anguish
Restitution in Criminal Proceedings if the driver is prosecuted and convicted for the hit-and-run.
Third-Party Liability if another party such as a bar that overserves a patron or a local government that failed to address a known road hazard.
“We understand that it can be incredibly difficult to think about the legal process when losing a loved one,” Mr. Schreiber went on to say. “However, victims and their families do not deserve to bear the financial burden of such a situation.”
If you are dealing with the tragic and sudden loss of your loved one in this or a similar incident, an attorney can be an invaluable resource. At Singleton Schreiber, attorneys like Mr. Schreiber have dedicated their careers to helping those whose lives have been changed through no fault of their own. They offer a free, no-obligation consultation and are ready to listen to your story and do everything they can to help. Call (808) 582-8062 when you are ready.
