UPDATE: Motorcyclist Dies as Result of Head-On Collision
UPDATE: April 22, 2019, 8 a.m.
A 60-year-old Kailua-Kona man died following a two vehicle collision on Saturday, April 20, 2019, in Kailua-Kona on Palani Road (Highway 190) below the intersection of the Holualoa and Highway 180.
The 60-year-old male has not yet been positively identified.
Responding to a 5:39 p.m. call, police determined that a white 2013 BMW HP4 motorcycle heading north (Kamuela bound) had crossed a double solid yellow line near a turn and struck a southbound white 2019 Toyota Sequoia SUV head-on. The Toyota Sequoia was being operated by a 25-year-old Kailua-Kona man. The 60-year-old male rider was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 8:50 p.m.
The driver of the Toyota Sequoia and his passengers, a 23-year-old female and a two-year-old child, were taken to Kona Community Hospital by HFD personnel. All three parties were treated for their injuries and later released.
Police believe speed and alcohol are possible factors in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Police are looking for a possible witness that was operating a white Tesla sedan that was also heading in the same direction as the BMW motorcycle.
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 Kimo Keliipaakaua at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo.
This is the 6th traffic fatality this year compared to 7 at this time last year.
ORIGINAL POST: April 21, 9:17 p.m.
The Hawai‘i Fire Department arrived on the scene of an accident on Highway 190 on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at 5:48 p.m.
Upon arrival, HFD first-responders found a deceased male motorcyclist as the result of a head-on collision with a Toyota 4Runner.
Witnesses say the motorcyclist was trying to overtake the Toyota on a blind turn, when the incident occurred.
Four others involved in the accident were taken to Kona hospital for treatment.
The Highway was closed near Hina Lani St. from 6:22 to 9:30 p.m. while the Hawai‘i Police Department conducted an investigation.