Man identified in last week’s fatal two-vehicle crash in Hilo

The man who died in a two-vehicle crash on the evening of Jan. 15 in Hilo has been identified as 26-year-old Michael Taione of Maui, Hawai’i Island police said.

The collision occurred at approximately 6:23 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 19 and Hikina Place.

Investigators said Taione was driving a 2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck southbound toward Hilo when the vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound.

Taione was found unresponsive at the scene.

Fire and medical personnel initiated lifesaving measures but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced deceased at 6:57 p.m. His death marked the second traffic fatality on Hawaiʻi Island in 2026.

The driver of the Silverado, a 46-year-old woman from Laupāhoehoe, was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and later released.

The East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit conducted an investigation on scene that indicated speed and alcohol are believed to be contributing factors. The investigation remains ongoing.

An autopsy was ordered to determine the exact cause of Taione’s death.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Officer Joshua Rodby-Tomas at 808-961-2339 or by email at Joshua.Rodby-Tomas@hawaiicounty.gov.