Hawaiʻi Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
Report No. C12033565
Media Release (update)
After conferring with prosecutors, Big Island police have released 33-year-old Sonny D. Kalawe of Keaʻau from police custody pending further investigation.
Kalawe was being held after his arrest in connection with a motor vehicle/pedestrian crash Sunday (December 16) in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision in Puna.
The crash on 29th Avenue killed 29-year-old Beke Robert Jr. of Keaʻau.
Responding to a 2:40 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that Kalawe was operating a 2000 Ford Explorer multi-purpose vehicle and was reversing from a private driveway when Beke either fell or jumped out of the vehicle and was run over.
Kalawe was arrested for negligent homicide in the first degree, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, no no-fault insurance, inattention to driving and no operator’s license.
