Kailua Kona,HI : South Kona man charged in crash that killed girl on November, Friday 17th 2017

A Captain Cook man is facing a misdemeanor negligent homicide charge stemming from a crash that killed a 10-year-old girl near Honaunau Elementary School last November.

William Herndon, 62, was arrested last week on a warrant. On Wednesday, Hawaii County Deputy Prosecutor Kauanoe Jackson filed a complaint in 3rd Circuit Court charging Herndon with third-degree negligent homicide.

Herndon, who posted $1,000 bail, is slated to appear in court for arraignment and plea on Dec. 12.

The incident occurred on Nov. 2, 2016. Janexty Kamakamaeuluwehi Kaaloa, known to family and friends as Ulu, was walking home from school along the mauka side of Highway 11 after getting released early that day.

Traveling north, Ulu attempted to cross the highway toward her family’s restaurant, Kaaloa’s Super J’s, when she was hit by Herndon, who was driving south in a tan, 1987 Jeep pickup truck.

Ulu’s mother, Julie Kaaloa, was aware of the complaint on Thursday afternoon. She said she had mixed feelings about it.

“I think he’s already in his own jail,” Kaaloa said of Herndon.

Kaaloa described Herndon as a nice man and she wished he didn’t have to go to court. She said she told prosecutors to make the hearing quick and painless.

“I told them I don’t want him to go to jail,” she said. “Poor man. He suffers every day.”

Kaaloa moved to Idaho where she is taking time to heal from the loss of her daughter.

“It’s a little bit sad for me to go home,” she said. “I just plan to come home to visit — not sure to live yet.”

Kaaloa said everybody has their time, but she misses Ulu.

“I wish I had her body, so I could hold her,” she said.

Kaaloa added she wanted to thank everyone, for the love and support they’ve given to her family since her daughter’s death.

“I do believe she lives on through generosity and the love that is shared,” Kaaloa said of Ulu. “Her love is in everyone she’s touched (and) that continues to shine.”

Third-degree negligent homicide is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year incarceration and a maximum fine of $2,000, according to Hawaii Revised Statutes.

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South Kona man charged in crash that killed girl