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Posted: Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 9:22 AM HST

Puna man released in traffic fatality probe

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

A 33-year old Puna man has been released from police custody after being held since Sunday’s motor vehicle/pedestrian accident that claimed the life of 29-year old Beke Robert Jr. of Kea`au. Police say Sonny D. Kalawe of Kea`au was operating a 2000 Ford Explorer sometime before 2:40 a.m. and was reversing from a private driveway in Hawaiian Paradise Park when Robert either fell or jumped out of the vehicle and was run over. Kalawe was arrested for negligent homicide in the first degree, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, no no-fault insurance, inattention to driving and no operator’s license.