Two Involved in May 17 Fatal Collision Identified

Autopsies conducted on May 19, 2017, determined that the male operator and passenger of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner involved in a fatal two-vehicle crash on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway on May 17, died from injuries sustained in the accident.

Three people were killed in the early morning crash near the Kona International Airport.

At the time of autopsy, the positive identification of both men was pending the results of DNA identification.

On July 31, DNA identification was received.

The operator of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner has been identified as 33-year-old Hector Alfredo Barrientos Vigil.

His passenger has been identified as 33-year-old Obdulio Eliseo Garcia Orellano.

Both men were residents of Captain Cook, Hawai‘i.

An autopsy conducted on Wednesday, May 18, determined that the male operator of the other vehicle, a 2008 Nissan Titan, is  37-year-old Hailame Lavaka of Kamuela.

The autopsy determined that Lavaka died on Wednesday, May 17, as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.

Police officials say the 4Runner operated by Vigil had been passing several vehicles as he traveled north on the Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway.

As he completed the pass, he lost control of his vehicle, which caused it to veer into the oncoming (southbound) lane, where it broadsided the Nissan truck driven by Lavaka.

Lavaka’s wife, the passenger in the Nissan, was taken to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment of her injuries, and was reported to be in critical condition at that time.

Vigil, Orellano and Lavaka were all taken to the Kona Community Hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Police believe speed was a factor in the crash, but it is not known if alcohol was a factor.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Kimo Keli‘ipaakaua at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo.

Hawaiʻi News Now obtained cell phone video taken from the scene of the accident. The video shows the two vehicles engulfed in flames.