Motorcyclist in critical condition following collsion in Puna District

A collision involving a motorcycle in Puna on Thursday night left a 64-year-old man from Hilo in critical condition.

The crash occurred on Highway 11, between the Macadamia Nut Road and Kipimana Street intersections in Kea‘au. Hawai‘i Police Department’s Puna Patrol officers responded to the incident at 7:26 p.m.

The preliminary investigation determined that a gray 2013 Honda CRV multi-purpose vehicle driven by a 38-year-old man was traveling south (Kea‘au-bound) on Highway 11 when it was rear-ended by a dark blue 2003 Harley Sportster motorcycle operated by the man from Hilo, according to a press release from police on Friday.

The motorcyclist was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he remains in critical condition. Police determined he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

The driver of the Honda and a passenger were not injured.

Officers with the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe speed and inattention were contributing factors to the collision.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information regarding the incident to contact the police department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.