Hilo man killed in motorcycle collision

One man is dead and another faces several charges in connection with a traffic collision involving two motorcycles just after 6 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Kīlauea Avenue and East Palai Street in Hilo.

Investigators with the Hawai‘i Police Department’s East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit determined that a Heavy Metal Customs motorcycle was traveling south on Kīlauea Avenue when it collided with a 2007 Honda motorcycle that was turning left from East Palai Street onto Kīlauea. At the time of the collision, the roadway was dry and neither operator was wearing a helmet.

Both motorcycle operators were responsive at the scene and transported to the Hilo Medical Center by ambulance after sustaining severe injuries in the collision.

Upon arrival at the Hilo hospital, 59-year-old Elgin Camacho of Hilo, the operator of the 2007 Honda motorcycle, was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at 6:49 p.m. An autopsy was ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The operator of the Heavy Metal Customs motorcycle, 51-year-old Reginald Bothelo, was arrested for first-degree negligent homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, third-degree promoting a dangerous drug, prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia, consuming or possessing liquor while operating a vehicle, driving while license suspended or revoked and no motor vehicle insurance police.

After conferring with the County prosecutor’s office, Bothelo was released pending further investigation and remains hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.

The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit is continuing to investigate the collision. Anyone who might have witnessed the collision or who has information is asked to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at 808-961-2339 or via email at Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov. Those who who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the 32nd fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to 22 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.