Moloa‘a man dies following traffic crash Tuesday

Published on December 18, 2024

A Moloa‘a man has died following a traffic crash on Kūhio Highway near mile-marker 18 on Tuesday, Dec. 17.  

The Kaua‘i Police Department has identified the decedent as 77-year-old Stuart Hanchett.

At approximately 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, KPD, Kaua‘i Fire Department (KFD), and American Medical Response (AMR) personnel were dispatched to a report of a traffic crash involving a Toyota Tacoma and a Kawasaki Prairie quad.

According to a preliminary report, a Kawasaki Prairie quad operated by a 77-year-old man attempted to cross Kūhiō Highway when the quad was struck by a Toyota Tacoma operated by a 69-year-old Princeville man traveling in the northbound direction.

The 69-year-old driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was treated by AMR personnel. However, the 77-year-old man suffered critical injuries and was transported to Wilcox Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.  

Kūhio Highway near north Ko‘olau Road was closed in both directions for approximately 2.75 hours while the Kaua‘i Police Department’s Traffic Safety Section conducted an on-scene investigation. Traffic was diverted through Ko‘olau Road.

Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash at this time. However, the investigation remains ongoing, and toxicology reports and an autopsy are pending.

Anyone witnessing the incident or has information can contact Officer Himongala at 808-241-1617.

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