Family devastated by deadly Nanakuli crash

NANAKULI, OAHU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A head-on collision in Nanakuli that left three dead has devastated a Pauoa Valley family

One-and-a-half year-old Kawehikulani Mena was among those killed when the Honda Civic she was riding in crossed the median and struck a westbound Nissan truck around 8:30 last night.

"Just an innocent life was cut short because of some senseless act like that. It's just hard," said Lokahi Cuban, the toddler's uncle.

Cuban's sister 18-year-old Lofa Mena, a 2013 Roosevelt High School graduate, and another passenger Prince Segi were also killed.

The baby's father, Faa Kitiona, was also in the car and was rushed to Queens Hospital where he is in critical condition.

Police said speed and alcohol were likely involved. According to the HPD, here's how it happened:

"The silver Honda Civic that was originally eastbound on Farrington when it came across and hit the (Nissan) Titan, it split in half," said Lt. Bobby Towne.

Cuban said the loss of his sister and niece has been overwhelming.

"My niece has a lot to look forward to, that's what I think hurts me the most," he said.

"My mom is taking it real hard. That was her baby."

The three passengers in the truck hit by the Civic were also treated for injuries.

The crash occurred less than 30 feet away from another deadly accident that happened last year. Thirty-four-year-old Margaret Lavin of Mililani died when her town-bound car cross the median and hit oncoming traffic.

"I think because it's really dark and you can't see I think they maybe need some lighting. It's a bad area," said David Rodrigues, a tow truck driver that was called to both accidents.

Friends and family members today erected a memorial near the accident site and gathered at Mena's house in Pauoa Valley to pay their respects and to try to make sense of the tragedy.

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