Man Dies in Kona Single-Motorcycle Crash

A single-motorcycle crash claimed the life of a man Saturday.

The Hawai’i Police Department reports that the accident took place in the Captain Cook area of the Kona District, and that the man has not been identified.

Police responded to a 10:47 a.m. phone call that led them to learn that the driver of a 2003 Honda motorcycle was traveling south on Mamalahoa Highway, north of the 93-mile marker, when he failed to negotiate a turn in the road. The motorcycle reportedly ran off the roadway and down a large embankment.

The operator of the motorcycle was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained head injuries from the collision.

HPD says that the man was taken to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 4:20 p.m.

Speed and inattention are believed to be factors in the crash.

Identification and the exact cause of death will be determined by an autopsy that has been ordered.

A coroner’s inquest investigation has been initiated by Traffic Enforcement Unit officers.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident should call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, extension 229.

Individuals who prefer to remain anonymous should call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at either 961-8300 or 329-8181.