Hit-and-run in Kapalua claims life of Lahaina woman; motorist arrested, released pending investigation: Maui Now

A fatal hit-and-run collision in Kapalua Friday claimed the life of a 39-year-old Lahaina woman.

The incident was reported at 7:18 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024 on Honoapiʻilani Highway, two feet southwest of Office Road in Kapalua.

Police said a preliminary investigation reveals the woman was attempting to retrieve a chicken carcass from the road and return to the southbound makai shoulder when she was struck by a white 2014 BMW X5 traveling northbound -east on Honoapi'ilani Highway. The driver of the BMW did not stop or render aid to the pedestrian and fled the scene heading northeast on Honoapiʻilani Highway, according to police.

Police said as a result of this collision, the pedestrian suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was transported by medevac to the Maui Memorial Medical Center emergency room for treatment, where she later succumbed to her injuries and died. The victim's identity will be withheld for 24 hours to allow his family to notify extended family and friends.

At approximately 8:26 p.m., the BMW and its driver were located at DT Fleming Park, at which time damage consistent with a collision with a pedestrian was observed on the vehicle, according to police. Police said the driver, identified as Ashley Nienaber, 34, of Lahaina, was arrested for crashes resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Nienaber was later released pending an investigation, police said in a news release.

The investigation revealed that the driver of the BMW stated that she was wearing a seat belt at the time of the collision and that the airbags did not deploy in the vehicle.

The involvement of speed, alcohol or drugs has not yet been determined as the investigation is ongoing.

This is the sixth traffic fatality in Maui County in 2024, compared to six at the same time last year.