HPD Identifies Motorcyclist Killed in Honomū Traffic Crash

Authorities have identified a motorcyclist killed in a traffic crash in the Hāmākua District on the Fourth of July as Malvin Reyes of Pepe‘ekeō.

According to Hawaii police, authorities responded to a report of a head-on collision at 8:50 p.m. on Māmalahoa Highway between mile markers 13-14 in Honomū. Police say Reyes, 58, was traveling south toward Hilo when for an unknown reason he crossed the centerline sideswiping a sport utility vehicle, then sideswiped a four-door sedan, before striking a third vehicle head-on. All three vehicles were heading northbound.

Reyes was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 11:31 p.m. Police say he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the traffic collision.

The drivers of the involved vehicles, a 74-year-old man, a 23-year-old man, and a 24-year-old woman were not injured in the crash.

The East Hawaii Traffic Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation, which is pending. An autopsy is expected to determine the exact cause of death. It is undetermined if alcohol, drugs, or speed are contributing factors in the crash.

This is the 21st fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to 12 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.

Reyes was a driver for the county Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division. He had worked for the county for 18 years.

“The county family grieves the loss of one of our own,” the DEM said in a statement provided to Big Island Now via email from the county Tuesday afternoon. “Malvin was an excellent employee, a skilled driver and a better friend. He was supportive of his coworkers, he was proud of his work, he was willing to help when asked and with his passing, he will be missed. He worked with Environmental Management for 16 years and, prior to that with Parks and Recreation for two years. He took his assignments and ‘did what needed to be done.’ Please join us in a moment of silence in honor of ‘Murphy.’ May he rest in peace.”

Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth also provided a statement in the same email.

“Our hearts go out to the Reyes ‘ohana as we mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant, father and friend,” Roth said. “The sudden loss is felt deeply as we continue to hear stories from his coworkers and other close friends within our office. At this time, we ask that the community reflect on our loved ones lost and hug those still here. We also ask that residents travel safely on our roadways, buckle up and be vigilant of others in Malvin’s honor.”

Anyone with information about this traffic collision is asked to contact Officer Blayne Matsui of the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit at 808-961-2339 or via email at blayne.matsui@hawaiicounty.gov.