Fatal Motor Vehicle Collision

On Friday, January 17, 2025, at approximately 3:37 p.m., a motor vehicle collision occurred on Pulehuiki Road, 0.5 miles east of Lower Kula Road in Kula.

Preliminary investigation reveals that a white 2007 Kenworth flatbed tow truck failed to navigate a right bend in the roadway, colliding into a metal guardrail before overturning. The flatbed was loaded with six large concrete retaining wall blocks, which were ejected, striking an unattended green 2006 Toyota Sienna, a fence, and a residence.

As a result of this collision, the operator of the tow truck, a 42-year-old Wailuku male, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. (The victim's identity is being withheld for 24 hours to allow his family an opportunity to notify their extended family and friends).

The occupants of the residence were not injured.

Investigation reveals that:

The operator of the tow truck was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.

The vehicle's airbags did not deploy.

Speed is a factor in this collision.

The involvement of alcohol or drugs has yet to be determined as the investigation remains ongoing.

This is Maui County's second traffic fatality of 2025, compared to zero at the same time last year.