Motorcyclist Critically Injured in Puna Traffic Collision

A head-on traffic collision in Kea‘au involving a motorcycle and sedan resulted in the motorcyclist being critically injured.

Big Island police reported the collision happened at 12:20 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the area of Kua‘āina Road and Highway 11. Investigators determined that a 2015 Nissan Sentra traveling south on Highway 11 crossed the double solid yellow line and struck a 2002 Honda motorcycle traveling north.

The motorcyclist, a 41 year-old man, sustained serious injuries and was flown to Queens Medical Center in Honolulu in critical condition. The driver of the Nissan Sentra, a 20 year-old man, was not injured.

Police think inattention is a contributing factor in the collision. The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit initiated a negligent injury investigation and is awaiting results of additional testing to determine other potential causes of the crash.

Anyone who might have witnessed the collision or who has information about this incident is asked to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at 808-961-2339 or via email at Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov.