Hawaii County Police Department, Hawaii
End of Watch: Thursday, March 27, 1997
Age: 35
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 43
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: March 27, 1997
Weapon Used: Automobile; Alcohol involved
Suspect Info: Sentenced to probation
Police Officer Kenneth Keliipio was killed when his patrol car was struck from behind by an off-duty officer on Volcano Highway, near Mamaki Street, in Hilo. He had just picked up a stranded motorist and was giving him a ride when the collision occurred. The citizen sustained only minor injuries.
The 35-year-old officer who struck his car was arrested and charged with DUI and negligent homicide. He said it was raining heavily, when Officer Kellipio pulled out in front of him and he was unable to avoid hitting him. His blood alcohol level was 0.11. In 1999 he was convicted of DUI and third degree manslaughter and received probation for one year.
Officer Keliipio had served with the Hawaii County Police Department for almost seven years.