Police Identify Victim in Deadly Honoka´a Traffic Collision

Police have identified a man who died following a traffic collision on the Big Island earlier this week.

Valentine Gines Jr., a 34-year-old from Pa‘auilo, succumbed to his injuries following the incident, which took place in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Aug. 17 on Highway 19 near the 49 mile-marker in Honoka´a.

Officers responding to the two-vehicle collision at 4:53 a.m. determined that a white-colored Nissan pick-up truck had been travelling south, in the Honoka‘a-bound lane, when it crossed the center line and struck head-on a school bus that was traveling north in the Waimea bound lane.

Gines Jr. was the driver and sole occupant of the Nissan truck. He was unresponsive at the scene and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 9:43 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver and sole occupant of the school bus was transported to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and treated for his injuries.

Police investigating the traffic collision believe inattention to be a primary factor in this traffic collision. Police are unable to determine if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in this investigation at this time, according to a report.

This is the 14th fatal traffic collision compared to 12 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.

The East Hawai´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) 961-2329 or email Clifford.Antonio@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo.