Waikoloa Man Dies in 2-Vehicle Collision

A 51-year-old Waikoloa man died following a two-vehicle collision Friday evening, Sept. 28, 2018, in Kailua-Kona.

He has been identified as Raymond Mata Jr.

Responding to a 9:55 p.m. call, police determined that a brown 2015 Toyota pickup truck being operated by a 38-year-old Keauhou woman was traveling southbound on Ali‘i Drive and was rear-ended by a tan 1999 Toyota pickup truck being operated by Mata, who was also traveling southbound on Ali‘i Drive.

The pickup operated by Mata then struck a utility pole and stone wall head-on.

Mata was unresponsive on the scene and was later transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:21 a.m on Saturday.

Police believe that inattention and speed were factors in this collision, but it is not immediately known if alcohol was a factor.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Justin Hooser at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229.

This is the 24th traffic fatality this year compared with 26 at this time last year.