Motorcyclist from Hilo dies days after Highway 11 crash

A motorcyclist who suffered critical injuries in a traffic collision last week on Highway 11 has died, according to authorities.

Hawaiʻi Island police identified the victim as 64-year-old Clifford Gouveia of Hilo.

Gouveia’s death marks Hawaiʻi Island’s 21st traffic fatality of 2026. At the same point last year, the island had recorded 14 traffic deaths.

He died Monday afternoon at The Queen’s Medical Center on Oʻahu after being flown there for advanced medical treatment following the crash.

The collision occurred at about 7:26 p.m. on July 30 on Highway 11 between the intersections of Macadamia Nut Road and Kipimana Street.

According to the preliminary investigation, Gouveia was riding a 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster southbound when his motorcycle struck the rear of a 2013 Honda CR-V traveling in the same direction.

Investigators said Gouveia was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

He was initially taken to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center before being airlifted to Oʻahu, where he died from his injuries at 4:29 p.m. on Aug. 3.

The 38-year-old driver of the Honda and the passenger were not injured.

The Hawaiʻi Police Department’s Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit continues to investigate the collision. Investigators believe speed and driver inattention were contributing factors.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at 808-961-2339 or Jerome.Duarte@hawaiipolice.gov.

Tips may also be submitted through the department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.