HILO, Hawaii — A Pepeekeo man has entered a not guilty plea in connection with a 2022 traffic collision that resulted in the death of a 63-year-old woman. The defendant, 70-year-old Calvin Shimizu, was indicted by a Hilo grand jury on charges of first-degree negligent homicide following the incident that claimed the life of Joni Okino-Shiroma of Mountain View.
The crash occurred on June 18, 2022, when authorities say Shimizu’s 2002 Dodge pickup crossed the centerline on Mamalahoa Highway and collided head-on with Okino-Shiroma’s 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The accident took place on the Waiaama Stream Bridge as Shimizu was driving toward Hamakua and Okino-Shiroma was heading toward Hilo.
Following the crash, Okino-Shiroma was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Shimizu was arrested at the scene under suspicion of negligent homicide and driving under the influence. He was subsequently hospitalized due to severe injuries from the collision.
Investigators indicated that speed and intoxication were likely major factors in the tragedy, leading to Shimizu’s driver’s license being administratively revoked the day of the accident with an indication of alcohol involvement.
After posting a $100,000 bail, Shimizu remains free. Although no trial date has been scheduled, his attorney, Stanton Oshiro, revealed that a plea agreement is in the process of being finalized. Hilo Circuit Judge Peter Kubota has set a hearing for further proceedings at 8 a.m. on June 27.
In addition to the criminal case, Okino-Shiroma’s family has taken civil action against Shimizu. Her husband, Max Shiroma, and sons, Mitchell and Randy Shiroma, filed a lawsuit in November 2022 seeking unspecified monetary damages. The lawsuit accuses Shimizu of negligence, including driving under the influence and failing to maintain control of his vehicle.
The complaint asserts that Shimizu’s actions demonstrated “a conscious indifference for the consequences” of his actions. A court date for the civil lawsuit has been scheduled for July 1, and records suggest a settlement may be forthcoming or already reached.
As the community reflects on the events, the upcoming legal proceedings will likely provide some resolution to the tragic accident that has deeply affected the lives of all parties involved.
This article was automatically generated and may contain factual inaccuracies. For corrections or removal requests, please contact contact@publiclawlibrary.org.