A Utah visitor traveling on Ali‘i Drive strikes a Kona man riding a moped

A Kailua-Kona man is in critical condition after being struck by a visitor attempting to turn right off of Ali‘i Drive on Sunday.

Responding to a call at 2:46 p.m., police investigators determined that a white 2023 Chevrolet Suburban SUV, traveling north, attempted to make a right turn near mile marker 3 when it collided with the 54-year-old who was also traveling north on a maroon 2022 Icebear moped in the designated bike lane. The impact of the collision ejected the 54-year-old male rider from the moped, causing him to suffer severe head injuries.

The injured moped rider was transported to the Kona Community Hospital and ultimately transferred to the Queens Medical Center on O‘ahu where he is listed in critical condition. His identity remains undisclosed pending confirmation.

The driver of the Chevrolet Suburban has been identified as 59-year-old Thomas Sharkey, of Sandy, Utah. Sharkey was subsequently arrested for negligent injury and released pending further investigation.

The male moped rider was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision and there is suspicion that he may have been under the influence of an intoxicant.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent injury investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at 808-326-4646 ext. 229 or email at ansel.robinson@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.