Hilo Man Dies in Kona Motorcycle Accident

The Hawai’i Police Department says a two-motorcycle collision that occurred Sunday afternoon at the intersection Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway and Kealakehe Parkway in Kailua-Kona led to the death of a 66-year-old Hilo man.

Darryl Arruda died Sunday afternoon as he was driving his maroon 1994 Harley Davidson motorcycle north on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway in a group with seven other motorcycle operators.

According to HPD, officers responded at 3 p.m., where they learned that as the group neared the intersection of Kealakehe Parkway, a 52-year-old Hilo man on a red 1992 Harley Davidson braked suddenly as the light turned from green to yellow. Arruda, who was unable to stop quickly enough, rear-ended the lead motorcycle and both bikes flipped over.

Arruda was taken to Kona Community Hospital due to a head injury sustained in the collision. He was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. An autopsy will be completed to learn the exact cause of death.

Police say the other rider involved was not hurt in the incident.

A negligent homicide investigation has been initiated by the Traffic Enforcement Unit.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua or Acting Sergeant Justin Hooser at 326-4646, Ext. 229.

Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.