Hilo Man Dies After 5-Car Crash Near Ainaola Drive

A 75-year-old Hilo man, identified as Franklin Dacanay, died following a five-vehicle crash on Tuesday afternoon, March 23, in the area of the Ainaola Drive and Mikokoi Street intersection in Hilo.

Hawai‘i Police responded to the incident at 2:09 p.m. During their investigation, they learned Dacanay was traveling west on Ainaola Drive in a 1998 Toyota Tacoma when he reportedly overcorrected his steering while negotiating a curve, causing him to cross the double solid yellow line and sideswipe a 52-year-old Hilo woman traveling east in a 2005 Dodge Ram on Ainaola Drive.

The Tacoma continued traveling west on Ainaola Drive in the eastbound lane and crossed the Mikokoi Street intersection, subsequently crashing through a fence and into a 2014 Dodge Ram, parked unattended at a residence. This caused the 2014 Dodge Ram to collide with a 2003 Acura MDX, which then collided with a 2001 Toyota Avalon, all of which were parked unattended next to each other.

Dacanay was not wearing his seatbelt and was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center via ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 2:54 p.m. An autopsy was ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver of the 2005 Dodge Ram and her two passengers did not report any injuries at this time.

Police investigating the traffic collision has determined that speed and not wearing a seatbelt are factors in the crash. Police are unable to determine if alcohol, drugs, or a medical condition are factors in this investigation at this time.

This is the seventh fatal traffic collision this year compared to six fatal traffic collisions for this same time period last year.

The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at 808-961-2339 or via email [email protected].