Published on January 01, 2026
LĪHU‘E – A woman suffered fatal injuries following a single vehicle crash in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day.
On January 1, 2026, at approximately 3:30 a.m., a 2006 Toyota truck was traveling southbound on Kūhiō Highway near Wilcox Medical Center when the vehicle struck a stone wall and utility pole on the southbound shoulder.
The driver and sole occupant was identified as Talia Jimenez, a 21-year-old resident of Kōloa, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash.
Kūhiō Highway was closed in both directions for approximately three hours while the Kaua‘i Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an on-scene investigation and Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative crews worked to clear downed utility lines. Preliminary findings indicate that speed appears to be a contributing factor. Toxicology results are pending to determine whether impairment also played a role. The investigation remains ongoing.
This is Kaua‘i’s first traffic fatality of 2026.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is urged to call Officer Himongala at (808) 241-1617. Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at (808) 246-8300, submitting a tip at crimestopperskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi P3 Tips Mobile App.
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