Pickup truck strikes vehicle at Pukalani intersection
December 10, 2025 | Pukalani, HI
Maui Police Department investigators are pursuing leads in a fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old driver early Wednesday morning.
Mason Pang, 19, of Makawao, died after his Toyota Tacoma was struck head-on by a Honda Ridgeline in a hit-and-run on Old Haleakala Highway in Pukalani.
What Happened in the Crash?
The collision unfolded around 12:14 a.m. when a 1998 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, driven eastbound by Makawao resident Mason Pang, collided head-on with a 2020 Honda Ridgeline making a left turn from Old Haleakala Highway onto Haleakala Highway.
- Date and Time: Dec. 10, 2025, approximately 12:14 a.m.
- Location: Intersection of Haleakala Highway and Old Haleakala Highway, Pukalani, Maui
- Vehicles Involved: 1998 Toyota Tacoma, eastbound, and 2020 Honda Ridgeline, turning left
- Fatalities: Mason Pang, 19, of Makawao, died from injuries at Maui Memorial Medical Center on Thursday
- Injuries: A 32-year-old female passenger in the Honda sustained various injuries and was hospitalized
- Suspect: The 31-year-old male Honda driver fled on foot and remains at large
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact MPD at 808-244-6400.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Occur?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers fearing legal repercussions, such as intoxication, unlicensed operation, or prior violations. According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 2,000 hit-and-run fatalities occur annually in the U.S., highlighting the urgency of thorough investigations.
Factor |
Contribution to Hit-and-Runs |
Source |
|---|
Intoxication |
Drivers panic and flee to avoid DUI charges |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) |
Unlicensed Driving |
Fear of immediate arrest prompts escape |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
Poor Visibility |
Nighttime conditions exacerbate errors |
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) |
High Speeds |
Increases severity, leading to abandonment |
NHTSA |
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes, independent investigations are crucial to establish accountability and support affected families.
“Conducting a prompt investigation with adequate resources is vital to demonstrate negligence in hit-and-run scenarios,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal. “Elements like road conditions, visibility, and lighting must be scrutinized to aid those seeking justice.”
Key takeaways from legal perspectives on these incidents:
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship, emotional distress, and suffering.
- Staying informed on official investigations helps protect rights and interests.
- Compensation can address the profound consequences of such tragedies.
“The grief following a loved one's death in an accident can be overwhelming,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Advocates ensure investigations align with victims' best outcomes.”
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).