Molokai, Hawaii (Island News) – A UTV collision late Saturday night resulted in two fatalities and four injuries near Halawa Valley Park.
The crash occurred around 10:57 p.m. when a 20-year-old woman from Kaunakakai was operating a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) with five passengers on a dirt roadway transitioning to Kamehameha V Hwy. The vehicle veered towards the south shoulder, and while attempting to regain control, it struck a large tree stump on the north shoulder.
All six occupants were ejected from the UTV. The driver and a front passenger, a 19-year-old woman, died at the scene. Four additional passengers, aged 16 to 22, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Molokai General Hospital for treatment.
None of the individuals were wearing helmets or seat belts at the time of the incident. According to investigators, speed and alcohol may have contributed to the crash; however, the role of drugs is still undetermined.
Authorities confirmed that this incident accounts for the sixth and seventh traffic fatalities in Maui County for 2026, compared to 12 at the same point last year.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.