Victim in Fatal S. Kona Crash IDʻd

A Captain Cook man is dead after a two-car crash in South Kona Saturday, Nov. 13.

Hawaiʻi Police responded to the crash at approximately 5:55 a.m. on Highway 11, north of the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway and Napo‘opo‘o Road.

The victim, identified as 22-year-old Kevin Kanoa’imipono Gladden was traveling south in a blue 2017 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck when for an unknown reason he reportedly crossed the yellow line a struck a white 2016 Ford F-250 waste management pickup truck head-on, HPD reported in a press release Saturday afternoon.

Gladden was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 12:55 p.m. The driver of the Ford pick-up truck, a 44-year-old Waikoloa man, and his 36-year-old female passenger from Kailua-Kona, were also taken to KCH where they were treated and later released.

Police believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the collision. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at 808-326-4646 ext. 229, or send an email to [email protected].

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the 23rd traffic fatality this year compared to 13 at this time last year.