72-year-old from Kona dies five days after moped crash

A 72-year-old man from Kailua-Kona has died five days after being involved in a single moped crash on the night of June 18 at the intersection of Kaiminani Drive and Kahilihili Street in North Kona, according to the Hawaiʻi Police Department.

The man was identified as David Howard McElhaney.

Police said McElhaney was driving a blue 2022 Zhilong TSL motor scooter heading west (makai) on Kaiminani Drive when he lost control while turning left onto Kahilihili Street.

He was transported to the Kona Community Hospital by Hawai‘i Fire Department medics for initial treatment and was later transported to the Queens Medical Center on Oʻahu where he later died. McElhaney was pronounced dead on June 23 at 7:43 a.m.

Police do not believe that speed or impairment are factors in the crash. McElhaney was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

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 10th traffic fatality this year compared to 20 at this time last year.