Big Island police investigating fatal motorcycle crash in Kaʻū

A 59-year-old Ocean View man is dead following a motorcycle crash Thursday evening in Kaʻū. Big Island police are investigating.

The man’s name has not been released, pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Officers responded shortly after 5:30 p.m. Thursday to a report of a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway (Highway 11) and Leilani Street in Kaʻū.

A green 2022 Kawasaki KLX300 traveling south overtook several vehicles near the entrance to Manukā State Wayside Park. After passing the vehicles, the motorcycle crossed over the double solid yellow lines, struck a rock embankment on the east side of the highway and the 59-year-old rider was ejected.

The man was transported to Kona Community Hospital. He was pronounced dead at 10:30 p.m.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit initiated a traffic investigation and is asking anyone who might have witnessed the fatal crash to contact Officer Adam Roberg at 808-326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov.

This is the Big Island’s 18th traffic fatality this year compared to 8 by the same time last year.