Lāwa‘i man arrested in connection with fatal crash in Po‘ipū

Published on March 15, 2024

LĪHUʻE – A Lāwa‘i man was arrested on Mar. 14 in connection with a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Jan. 19, 2024.

At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 19, police responded to the scene of a two-vehicle crash that occurred on Po‘ipū Road. The incident resulted in the death of a 69-year-old male resident of Kalāheo and serious injuries to a 25-year-old female resident of Kalāheo. Keola DeCosta, a 42-year-old resident of Lāwa‘i, was arrested by officers and released pending investigation. This happens when more time is needed beyond the maximum 48 hours of holding in police custody, for police to investigate the case before formal charges are made.

After further investigation, the findings were submitted to the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, which subsequently brought the case before a grand jury. The grand jury determined that there was enough evidence to move forward with the case. DeCosta was arrested on Mar. 14, at approximately 11 a.m., for the following offenses: Manslaughter, Negligent Homicide in the First Degree, Negligent Injury in the First Degree, Inattention to Driving, Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant, Resisting Arrest, Reckless Driving, Excessive Speeding, Promoting a Detrimental Drug in the Third Degree and Consuming or Possessing Intoxicating Liquor While Operating a Motor Vehicle.

DeCosta’s bail is set at $250,000 and he is currently being held at the Kaua‘i Police Department Cell Block.

Keola DeCosta, 42, was arrested on Mar. 14 for various offenses.

###