WAIAKAI, HI (Island News) – A Waianae family is advocating for safer driving one year after losing their 19-year-old daughter, Tehya Mahelona, in a traffic crash.
Amid a sign-waving event at the crash site on Saturday, family members, friends, and lawmakers called on drivers to adhere to safe driving practices. “We are going to continue to advocate in hopes that it brings better driving behaviors,” said Amanda Mahelona, Tehya's mother.
Tehya, a student at Barbers Point Flight School and part-time Starbucks employee, dreamed of becoming a pilot. To honor her legacy, her family established the Tehya Mahelona Foundation, which provides scholarships for students pursuing aviation careers in the Leeward Coast and Waianae Coast areas.
State Rep. Darius Kila emphasized the profound impact traffic fatalities have on communities. He urged drivers to be mindful of pedestrians, especially during increased Halloween festivities.
A national study revealed that Halloween sees an 18% rise in crashes compared to typical days, with alcohol-related accidents up by 33%. Drivers are advised to slow down in residential areas and avoid distractions.
The Tehya Mahelona Foundation will host a Friendsgiving Charcuterie Workshop fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 8, to support students attending pilot school in Tehya's memory. Further details are available on the Foundation's Instagram account.