Captain Cook Man Dies in S. Kona Car Crash

A Captain Cook man is dead after a single-vehicle crash on Monday, Nov. 15, in South Kona.

Hawaiʻi police responded to the incident, which occurred on Māmalahoa Highway, .2 miles south of mile marker 108, at 8:07 p.m. Through their investigation, officers determined a gold 1988 Jeep Cherokee, operated by 57-year-old William Joseph Rowan, was traveling south when he ran off the roadway and lost control.

“He then made a sharp left turn back onto the highway, rolling over several times, which resulted in him being ejected from the vehicle,” an HPD release stated.

Rowan was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 12:23 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16.

Police say Rowan was not wearing his seatbelt and believe speed and impairment are possible factors in the crash.

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

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest 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 Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the 24th traffic fatality this year compared to 14 at this time last year.