Police Seek Information in Wednesday Night Kea’au Crash

A traffic collision late Wednesday night has the Hawai’i Police Department seeking witnesses.

Authorities say a collision between a motorcycle and a sports utility vehicle took place near the intersection of Kukula Street by Kea’au High School in Kea’au.

The incident was responded to by Puna patrol officers at 10 p.m., where the SUV was reportedly traveling against traffic. Officer learned from witnesses that a gold Hyundai SUV had been traveling in the Kea’au-bound direction while in the Pahoa-bound lane of travel when it struck a Honda motorcycle head-on. The motorcycle was traveling in the Pahoa-bound lane.

A 30-year-old Pahoa man was on the motorcycle and was wearing a helmet. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment, where he remains in fair condition.

When officers arrived, the driver of the SUV was not in or around the vehicle. Officers searched the surrounding brush area, but did not locate the driver.

HPD has classified the case as a negligent injury.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who knows the identity or location of the SUV’s driver should call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous should call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.