Tragic Crash Sparks Urgent Call for Highway Safety Overhaul on Hawaii Island

A devastating car crash on Hawaii Island has left a family devastated, their beloved pets killed, and a community demanding immediate action to address longstanding safety concerns along a major highway. The incident has shone a spotlight on the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

Heartbroken Family Seeks Justice and Change

Deadly Crash Shatters Family's Peace

The Angel family's peaceful existence on Hawaii Island was shattered when a car careened into their property, killing three of their beloved family dogs. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. on a Thursday night, as the vehicle plowed through multiple kennels situated along Highway 130, across from Paradise Drive. The devastating impact not only claimed the lives of three canine companions but also set three others loose, leaving the family in a state of anguish and disbelief."I am asking the fire department to help me find my kids which are my dogs," said a distraught Tyson Angel, underscoring the deep bond the family shared with their four-legged family members. The tragedy has left an indelible mark on the Angel household, compounding their grief and fueling a renewed determination to ensure that no other family endures a similar ordeal.

A Recurring Nightmare

The Angel family's woes did not begin with this latest incident. According to Tyson, crashes at their property are not uncommon, with drivers frequently overshooting the turn onto Highway 130 from Paradise Drive and ending up on their land. This pattern of reckless driving and lack of proper safety measures has plagued the family for years, leaving them feeling forgotten and neglected by the authorities responsible for maintaining the area's infrastructure."I feel like it's forgotten or it's put on the side," lamented Caressa Angel, expressing the family's frustration with the perceived indifference towards their plight. "I don't know if it's because the district we are in but until something like this happens, when we make a big deal of it, nothing gets done."

Broken Promises and Temporary Fixes

The Angel family's ordeal has been compounded by a history of broken promises and temporary solutions. Years ago, the state installed a barricade in an effort to enhance safety, but the family claims that frequent crashes have turned the wall into a makeshift ramp, exacerbating the problem rather than resolving it."I've been told temporary fixes for the last 15 years since Billy Kenoi was the mayor," Tyson Angel lamented, underscoring the family's long-standing struggle to secure lasting and effective solutions to the highway's safety issues.

Authorities Respond, but Skepticism Remains

In the aftermath of the tragic crash, the state's Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken some immediate action. Director Ed Sniffen acknowledged that he had not previously been made aware of any complaints in the area, but crews quickly replaced the damaged barrier the day after the incident.Additionally, the DOT has announced plans to draw reflective lines and install speed humps at the intersection of Highway 130 and Paradise Drive, with the aim of improving safety and reducing the risk of future crashes. However, the Angel family remains skeptical, having heard similar promises in the past with little tangible progress.

Seeking Comprehensive Solutions

As the Angel family mourns the loss of their beloved pets, they are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the highway's safety measures. They believe that temporary fixes and piecemeal solutions are no longer sufficient, and that a more holistic approach is needed to address the underlying issues and prevent such tragedies from occurring again.The family's plea for action has resonated with the broader community, who are now rallying behind their cause and demanding that the authorities prioritize the safety of residents and travelers alike. With the spotlight firmly on this issue, the pressure is mounting for the DOT and other responsible agencies to develop and implement long-term, sustainable solutions that will safeguard the well-being of all who use this critical stretch of highway.