A late-night moped ride in Waikiki turned violent Thursday when a car slammed into a two-person moped, hurled both riders onto the pavement and kept going, according to police. The crash happened around 10:44 p.m. near the intersection of Kuhio Avenue and Nahua Street. A 42-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant.
What police say
According to the Honolulu Police Department, the 42-year-old motorist was heading east on Kuhio Avenue when he turned left onto Nahua Street and struck a 24-year-old woman who was operating the moped and her 25-year-old passenger.
The impact ejected both riders onto the roadway. Police say the operator was taken to an area hospital in serious condition, while the passenger refused treatment at the scene. Investigators say the driver did not stop to help and was later found and arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. HPD reports that alcohol appears to be a contributing factor, while speed does not appear to be.
Not an isolated problem
Crashes involving mopeds have been a recurring safety concern on Oʻahu this spring. Hawaii News Now recently reported a moped rider critically injured in a Makiki crash, underscoring a spate of serious collisions…