One man dead after struck by multiple vehicles near Highway 130, Orchidland Drive intersection

One man is dead following a hit-and-run incident later Friday night, May 15, in Keaʻau.

Big Island police are searching for the drivers of multiple vehicles that fled the area near the Highway 130 and Orchidland Drive intersection, where the pedestrian was struck and killed.

Police responded just before 11 p.m. Friday after receiving a report of a person lying in the roadway. He was found unresponsive and pronounced dead shortly after 11 p.m.

Investigators determined the unidentified man was hit multiple times by the unknown vehicles, which left the scene in an unknown direction.

Authorities think the man might have been struck while attempting to cross Highway 130 in a spot with no marked crosswalk.

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

His identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation.

Failure to render aid when a person is injured or killed in a traffic crash is a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $25,000.

Anyone who might have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at 808-961-2339 or by email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov.

People who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

The man’s death marks the third traffic fatality within 12 hours Friday and the 12th during 2026 on Hawai‘i Island.

Police continue to stress that many traffic fatalities are preventable and urge motorists to remain attentive, drive responsibly and be mindful of pedestrians on Big Island roadways.