Honolulu Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit for $2.5 Million
The city settled with the family of a man who died months after tripping on a sidewalk crack in Salt Lake.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in City Hall
Honolulu reached a $2.5 million settlement regarding the death of Brad Kimura, who tripped on a 3-inch sidewalk crack on Ala Naupaka Street on October 21, 2024. Kimura subsequently died of pneumonia nine months after the accident.
Why it matters
The settlement ensures financial support for the parents of the 53-year-old victim following the incident. It highlights concerns over the city's reactive sidewalk maintenance program, which failed to address the crack that existed for nine years.
The city maintained a 30-day repair policy for trip hazards, yet the crack on Ala Naupaka Street remained for nine years. A work order was finally issued in April 2025, with repairs completed in November 2025.
The players
Brad Kimura
He was a 53-year-old man who died from pneumonia nine months after suffering injuries from a fall.
City and County of Honolulu
The local municipal government responsible for managing and maintaining public infrastructure.
The details
City records show a work order for the site was not issued until April 2025, seven months before the section was replaced. In response to ongoing safety concerns, Honolulu has launched a 311 reporting program to allow residents to notify the city of similar infrastructure hazards.
Timeline
October 21, 2024: Brad Kimura tripped on a sidewalk crack.
April 2025: The city issued a work order for the sidewalk.
November 2025: The city replaced the sidewalk section.
September 2026: The lawsuit was settled.
Political Context
Opponents of the current administration cite this case as evidence that the city sidewalk maintenance policy is failing to protect pedestrians. They argue that the reactive nature of the current maintenance system necessitates a more robust, proactive inspection regime.
Residents can now utilize the new 311 program to report sidewalk hazards directly to city officials. This move intends to shift the city toward more responsive infrastructure management and potentially reduce future safety risks for the public.
The takeaway
Property owners and residents should document and report infrastructure defects through official municipal channels immediately to trigger repairs. Relying on government reactive maintenance cycles can lead to significant safety risks if hazards are not formally logged.
Further reading
For more information on local government operations, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawaiinewsnow.
