Hawaiʻi Island records 13th traffic fatality of the year after Keaʻau collision

Authorities are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a Tesla SUV that occurred on Monday afternoon in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision of Keaʻau.

Police reported that authorities were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:30 p.m. on May 18 on 12th Avenue between Paradise Drive and Kaloli Drive.

According to authorities, a Suzuki enduro motorcycle traveling northbound towards Hilo at a high rate of speed overtook another vehicle before colliding with a southbound 2024 Tesla multi-purpose vehicle turning left into a private driveway in the 15-1600 block of 12th Avenue.

The driver of the motorcycle was identified as 58-year-old Max Mattos of Kurtistown.

He was found unresponsive at the scene and was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:41 p.m., the Hawaiʻi Police Department said.

An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of Mattos’ death. The driver of the Tesla, a 47-year-old Keaʻau woman, was not injured.

Authorities said speed and reckless driving are believed to be factors in the collision. Mattos was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The Hawaiʻi Police Departmentʻs Area Ⅰ Traffic Enforcement Unit also responded to the scene and continues their investigation.

Mattosʻs death marks Hawaiʻs Islandʻs 13th traffic fatality of the year. It is also the islandʻs eighth traffic fatality in the past two weeks and the fourth since last Friday.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Officer Jonathan Rapoza at 808-961-2339 or by email at Jonathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

Law enforcement continues to urge motorists to remain attentive and obey traffic laws.