3-Year-Old Waikōloa Girl Dies After Being Struck by SUV in Parking Lot

A 3-year-old Waikōloa girl was critically injured after being struck by a reversing gray 2017 Nissan Pathfinder in the parking lot of a residential complex off Waikōloa Road (Highway 191) and was pronounced dead at 8:50 p.m. at Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital in Waimea, police said. Local reports place the incident at about 7:12–7:15 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.

Hawai‘i Police Department investigators said the SUV was being backed up by a 26-year-old Waikōloa woman when the toddler ran behind the vehicle and was hit. “Police do not think speed, alcohol or drugs are factors in the incident,” investigators reported. HPD Area II Traffic Enforcement “initiated a major traffic collision investigation following the incident,” officials added.

Authorities are withholding the child’s name because of her age. “Authorities are not releasing the toddler’s name because of her age,” the police notice states. The driver’s identity has been reported in local accounts as a 26-year-old Waikōloa woman; no arrests or charges have been reported in the immediate aftermath.

Police and local outlets noted the collision occurred inside a residential complex parking area rather than on a public roadway. Because the crash happened in a parking lot, HPD said the fatality “does not affect the year-to-date fatality count.” That distinction reflects the department’s counting practices for roadways and off-road collisions.

Hawai‘i Police Department Area II is asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has information to come forward. “Anyone who witnessed the collision should contact Officer Adam Roberg at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov,” the contact notice reads. Those who wish to remain anonymous are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

Investigators have not released additional details about vehicle safety features, potential surveillance footage, or whether the driver or witnesses have been interviewed beyond on-scene statements. HPD Area II Traffic Enforcement continues the major traffic collision investigation into the incident and is compiling evidence and statements to determine the full sequence of events. The community is urged to contact Officer Roberg or Crime Stoppers with any information that could assist the probe.