Nanakuli, Hawaii – The quiet morning hours along Farrington Highway turned tragic on October 28 when Tehya Mahelona, a 19-year-old pedestrian, was struck by a vehicle while using a marked crosswalk near Pua Avenue. What should have been a simple walk across the street became a devastating loss that has left an entire community in mourning and raised urgent questions about pedestrian safety in Nanakuli.
The collision happened around 4:50 a.m., a time when traffic is usually light but visibility can still be challenging. According to the Honolulu Police Department, multiple vehicles were involved in the incident. Mahelona was crossing the street in a designated crosswalk when she was hit, along with another pedestrian. Investigators have confirmed that she had the right of way, emphasizing that she did nothing wrong.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes. They found Mahelona and two others with severe injuries on the roadway. Paramedics provided immediate medical aid before rushing all three victims to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts and the tireless work of medical staff, Mahelona’s injuries were too severe for her to recover. She passed away not long after arrival, surrounded by doctors who did everything they could to save her.
The two other pedestrians who were struck sustained serious injuries and remain hospitalized as of this week. Officials have not released their names but have confirmed they are receiving ongoing treatment. Police have not yet disclosed details about the driver or what might have led to the crash, though they have confirmed that the driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Detectives from the Honolulu Police Department’s Traffic Division are now reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and interviewing witnesses who saw what happened. Investigators are working to determine whether speed, distraction, or visibility played a role in the fatal collision. The Medical Examiner’s Office continues to study the case to establish the precise cause and manner of Mahelona’s death.
For the Waianae Coast community, Tehya’s passing has sent ripples of heartbreak through families, schools, and local organizations. Friends describe her as bright, kind, and full of life — a young woman who had her future ahead of her and who cared deeply for others. Her loved ones are devastated that a routine walk could end in tragedy so quickly.
In the days since the crash, residents have gathered at the site of the accident to leave flowers, candles, and heartfelt notes. The memorial has become a symbol of shared grief — and also a call to action. Many in Nanakuli are urging local leaders to take stronger steps to protect pedestrians on Farrington Highway, which has seen multiple accidents in recent years.
Community advocates say improvements such as better lighting, clearer signage, and stronger enforcement of speed limits could help prevent future tragedies. The Hawaii Department of Transportation has acknowledged these concerns, noting that pedestrian safety remains a top priority.
For now, the community is focusing on healing and supporting Tehya’s family as they navigate the unbearable pain of losing their daughter. Friends and relatives are organizing fundraisers to help with funeral expenses and to honor her memory in ways that reflect her compassion and spirit.
Tehya Mahelona’s life was full of potential and promise, and though her time was cut short, her memory continues to inspire those who knew her. Nanakuli mourns her deeply, united in sorrow and a renewed determination to ensure that no other family has to endure such a loss.