Driver responsible for double-fatal accident in 2022 convicted of manslaughter

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A judge sentenced the driver responsible Wednesday of a double fatal accident in 2022.

Brenner Canumay, 29, was sentenced to two 20-year terms for manslaughter and five years for second-degree assault. All sentences will run concurrently, prosecutors said.

Canumay was driving recklessly on Oahu’s North Shore in August 2022 when he made an illegal U-turn in his Ford Ranger and drove down Kamehameha Highway. Prosecutors say he drove back and forth into oncoming traffic until he struck another vehicle.

Michelle Hartman was driving the other vehicle. Prosecutors said her daughter Holly Hartman was sitting in the front seat and her husband Ronald Hartman was in the back. Both Michelle and Ronald died in the crash. Holly was also injured.

They all visited the island from Virginia.

Brenner Canumay admitted to drinking more than half a bottle of liquor before driving that day.(Kelly Ana / Prosecutors)

Before the crash, Canumay had an argument with his girlfriend, prosecutors said. He also admitted to drinking well over half a bottle of liquor before driving.

“This was a horrific and tragic collision that could have been prevented,” said prosecutor Steve Alm.

“The defendant’s unlawful, reckless and aggressive driving, his admitted alcohol use and his anger on the day of the collision resulted in a 20-year prison sentence instead of probation,” Alm added.

Earlier this year, he pleaded no contest to two counts of manslaughter and the assault charge.

Read an earlier report: Driver in ‘horrific’ North Shore crash charged with two counts of manslaughter