Driver Arrested in Fatal Kona Traffic Collision

Hawai‘i Island police have arrested 19-year-old Trevor K. Shoemaker-Hassey, of Kailua-Kona on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant (OVUII), negligent homicide, reckless endangering, and reckless driving. Hassey was the driver of a vehicle involved in a two-car North Kona collision that resulted in the death of a 63-year-old Kailua-Kona woman on Thursday, July 14 North Kona.  Hassey was later released pending further investigation.
Police determined that a white 2019 Nissan Rogue operated by Shoemaker-Hassey was heading south on Mamalahoa Highway near Akina Place when he crossed over the double solid yellow lines and struck a white 2018 Nissan Versa, which was operated by the now deceased Rhonda Dee Freedman, head on.
Shoemaker-Hassey and his 17-year-old female passenger were not injured in the collision. Freedman was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where she later died.  An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate this collision and asks for anyone who may have witnessed it to contact Officer Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov.