Police Investigating Kawaihae Traffic Collision

Big Island police are investigating a single-vehicle collision in South Kohala that left a 26-year-old Waimea man severely injured.

The crash happened early Tuesday morning, July 19, on Kawaihae Road, 0.2 of a mile west of the 66-mile marker. Responding to a 4:03 a.m. call, police determined a white 2010 Toyota 4Runner SUV was heading east when it failed to negotiate a left-hand turn and ran off the roadway. The Toyota 4Runner then struck a rock embankment and rolled over several times, ejecting the 26-year-old male driver.

The driver was transported to Queen’s North Hawai‘i Community Hospital in Waimea, where he was listed in critical condition.

Police think speed is a factor in the crash. The driver also was not wearing a seatbelt.

The Hawai‘i Police Department Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit initiated a major traffic crash investigation and is asking anyone who might have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Len Hamakado at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov.

Those who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.