TRAFFIC FATALITY
Ewa Beach woman, 18, dies on H-1
By Rod Ohira
Advertiser Staff Writer
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An 18-year-old woman killed today on H-1 Freeway in Waipahu after exiting a moving vehicle was identified by the Honolulu medical examiner's office as Natasha M. Taualai of 'Ewa Beach.
Police vehicular homicide investigators said the woman, a passenger in a silver 2000 Mercury two-door sedan, was run over by a 1997 Toyota sedan while lying motionless on the roadway. The incident on the west-bound side of the freeway, 104 feet east of the Kamehameha Highway overpass, was reported to police at 12:10 a.m.
The 26-year-old driver of the Mercury, an East Honolulu man, and the 'Ewa Beach man, 65, driving the Toyota, were not injured.
Taualai was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy determined cause of death as multiple internal injuries due to a motor vehicle collision and deferred on manner of death.
Police are investigating whether Taualai jumped, fell or was pushed from the car but homicide detectives have not been called in, an indication foul play may not be involved.
Maj. Frank Fujii today asked for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to call traffic investigators at 529-3499. Fujii said two vehicles went around the body to avoid hitting it but police are looking for witnesses who may have seen the woman's exit from the vehicle.
Today's death is tentatively classified as a traffic fatality, pending the ME's determination on manner of death.
The fatality is the 28th of 2008 and O'ahu's 15th traffic death since May 15.
The investigation forced traffic closures in the area for nearly five hours. The roadways were reopened at 4:56 a.m.
Reach Rod Ohira at rohira@honoluluadvertiser.com.