James R. Lawrence dies in fatal Hilo, Hawai‘i pedestrian crash

James R. Lawrence dies in fatal Hilo, Hawai‘i pedestrian crash

Fatal Hilo, Hawai‘i pedestrian crash death of James R. Lawrence – Obituary

James R. Lawrence, a 69-year-old Hilo resident, died following a vehicle collision that occurred on Thursday evening, May 1, 2025, near the intersection of Waiānuenue Avenue and Rainbow Drive in Hilo.

Police say the crash happened around 8:23 p.m. as a 2015 Subaru sedan was heading westbound on Waiānuenue Avenue and struck Lawrence, who was walking in the roadway outside a marked crosswalk. Officers were already nearby at the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for another matter when they encountered the scene.

Lawrence was found conscious and was rushed to Hilo Benioff Medical Center in critical condition. Plans were underway to airlift him to the Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu, but he died from his injuries at 10:49 p.m. An autopsy will determine the precise cause of death.

The driver of the Subaru, a 62-year-old woman from Hilo, was unharmed. Authorities have indicated that neither speed nor impairment is suspected as contributing factors.

An investigation into negligent homicide is underway. Anyone with relevant details is urged to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza or call Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips. This incident marks the 12th traffic-related fatality on Hawai‘i Island this year.