Kona Man Dies in Single-Motorcycle Weekend Accident

A traffic accident Sunday morning at the 22-mile marker in the North Kona area of Highway 190 led to the death of a 22-year-old Kona man.

The Hawai’i Police Department released details on the single-motorcycle crash Monday morning, identifying the man as Jonathan Salinas of Kailua-Kona.

Officers responded to a 9:43 a.m. call, where they determined that Salinas was operating a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle traveling south on Highway 190 when he did not negotiate a turn in the road.

HPD says that Salinas ran off the east shoulder of the roadway and into a rock embankment. He was ejected from the motorcycle.

Salinas was taken to Kona Community Hospital with head injuries and later pronounced dead.

Authorities believe that speed and inattention were factors in the crash.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine Salinas’ exact cause of death.

A coroner’s inquest has been opened and the Traffic Enforcement Unit is seeking anyone who may have witnessed the crash. Witnesses should call Officer Justin Hooser directly at 326-4646, extension 229.

Those who wish to maintain anonymity can call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.