Police Investigating 3 Motorcycle Crashes in 3 Hours That Left 1 Dead, 2 Seriously Injured

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating three motorcycle collisions that occurred around the island this morning, Monday, June 13, within a three-hour time span. One motorcyclist was killed and the two other motorcyclists were seriously injured as a result of the collisions.

Hilo Fatality
The first collision, involving a motorcycle and a Honda sedan, occurred about 7:26 a.m., Monday, June 13, 2022, on Māmalahoa Highway, (Highway 19), near the intersection of Hau Street, just north of Hilo.

Investigators determined the two vehicles were heading north on the highway when the sedan made a U-turn in front of the motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the sedan broadside. The operator of the motorcycle was not wearing a helmet.

The motorcyclist was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead around 8:14 a.m. His identity remains unknown at this time.

The driver of the sedan, a 63-year-old woman, was transported to Hilo Medical Center for minor head injuries and later released.

Authorities believe inattention may have caused the crash, but have not yet ruled out alcohol or drugs as contributing factors pending further testing and investigation into the incident.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at 808-961-2339 or via email Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov.

This is the 18th fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to 11 fatal traffic collisions during the same time period last year.

North Kona Motorcycle Collision
Minutes after the fatal motorcycle crash in East Hawai‘i, a two-vehicle collision occurred in West Hawai‘i, severely injuring a 57-year-old Kailua-Kona male motorcyclist.

Responding to a 7:42 a.m. call near the intersection of Ka‘iminani Drive and Ili Ili Street in North Kona, police determined that a white 1998 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck was heading west (makai) when it began to merge back onto the westbound lane from the shoulder of the roadway. As the pickup truck entered the westbound lane, it was struck by a black 2001 Harley-Davidson motorcycle operated by the Kailua-Kona man.

The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

The 61-year-old male driver of the pickup truck was not injured in the crash.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a major traffic investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Adam Roberg at 808-326-4646 ext. 229, or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 961-8300.

Second Hilo Motorcycle Collision
Three hours later, a third motorcycle collision occurred at 10:23 a.m. when a motorcyclist struck a van that was stopped at the intersection of Mamaki Street and Highway 11 in Hilo.

The motorcyclist, a 28-year-old Hilo man, was taken to the Hilo Medical Center in critical condition. He was later upgraded to stable condition and remains hospitalized. The man was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The van was operated by a 48-year-old man from Tuscon, Arizona, traveling with his family. None of the van occupants were injured in the incident. Police are investigating this collision as a negligent injury.

Police encourage motorists to be aware of their surroundings while driving on Hawai‘i Island roads.