Kona man dies following 2-vehicle crash near Kealakehe High School

A Kailua-Kona man dead following a two-vehicle crash Wednesday night near Kealakehe High School.

Hawai‘i police responded to the intersection of Kealaka‘a and Kealakehe Streets, nearly two miles above the school, at approximately 6:54 p.m. While on scene, officers determined that a blue 2000 Toyota 4Runner heading north on Kealaka‘a Street was making a left turn onto Kealakehe Street when it was struck by a 21-year-old motorcyclist, identified as Kalai Alohanamakana Lincoln, who was operating a red Honda Grom motorcycle heading south on Kealakaa Street without his headlights on.

According to police, a Honda Grom is considered a pocket-sized motorcycle and its use requires a driver’s license to operate. Lincoln was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 7:35 p.m.

Police believe that speed is a factor in the crash. Lincoln was wearing a helmet.

The driver of the Toyota 4Runner, a 43-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was not injured in the collision.

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 Dayson Taniguchi at 808-326-4646 ext. 229 or email at dayson.taniguchi@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the 28th traffic fatality this year compared to 18 at this time last year.