Motorcyclist dies after rear-ending truck in Hilo; second Big Island traffic fatality on Sunday

On Sunday afternoon, a man operating a motorcycle died after colliding into the back of a truck stopped at a red light in Hilo, according to the Hawaiʻi Island police.

It was the 30th traffic fatality on the Big Island in 2022, and the second one on Sunday. Earlier in the day, an 18-year-old died in Captain Cook after his pickup truck ran off the shoulder of Nāpo‘opo‘o Road and struck a large tree.

The motorcycle accident was reported at 4:33 p.m. on Oct. 16. A 1997 Toyota Tacoma was stopped in traffic at a red light at the East Kawili Street intersection when it was struck from behind by a Honda motorcycle traveling southbound on Kanoelehua Avenue, according to police.

The 32-year-old male driver of the Tacoma truck was uninjured.

The operator of the 2019 Honda motorcycle was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to the Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 6:14 p.m. The motorcyclist has not been named pending positive identification and notification of his family.

Police said the roadway was dry and the motorcycle operator was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

Police also said speed and the motorcyclist not wearing a helmet are the two primary factors in the outcome of this collision. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death and further investigation will be conducted.

Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information about it to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at 808-961-2339 or via email at Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.