Police identify Ocean View man killed in Kaʻū motorcycle collision

A 59-year-old Ocean View motorcyclist has died after reportedly crossing over lanes and hitting a rock embankment May 16 in Kaʻū. 

The Hawai‘i County Police Department announced the death in a press release on May 21. The incident occurred at the intersection of Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) and Leilani Street. 

According to police, the 59-year-old motorcycle rider has been identified as Andre Joseph Fournier Sr.

The police department described responding to a call at 5:37 p.m. and finding a green 2022 Kawasaki KLX300, a type of motorcycle, traveling south that had overtaken several vehicles near the Manuka State Park entrance.

“After passing the vehicles, the motorcycle was observed crossing over the double solid yellow lines and struck a rock embankment on the mauka side of the highway. The rider was ejected from the motorcycle,” the department said.

The 59-year-old male rider was transported to the Kona Community Hospital and was pronounced dead at 10:30 p.m.

The press release stated that 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 Adam Roberg at 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo.

The department noted that the incident marks the 18th traffic fatality this year compared to 8 at this time last year.