UPDATE: Motorcyclist who died in Hilo traffic crash identified as Oʻahu man
Updated at 5:11 p.m. Sept. 8, 2026.
A motorcyclist who died following an early morning Sept. 5 traffic collision in the area of the Kalanianaʻole Street and Kamehameha Avenue intersection in Hilo was identified by Big Island police as 43-year-old Faavae Maualaivao of Kāneʻohe, Oʻahu.
An autopsy was ordered to determine his exact cause of death.
Hawaiʻi Police Department East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing to investigate. The crash is classified as a coroner’s inquest.
Police think speed was a factor in the crash. Maualaivao was not wearing a helmet.
It was the 23rd traffic fatality this year compared with 16 by this time last year.
Police responded at 1:46 a.m. Sept. 5 to the crash and determined the 2015 Harley Davidson Road Glide motorcycle Maualaivao operated was westbound on Kalanianaʻole Street when he lost control and veered off the roadway, striking a utility pole.
Maualaivao was ejected and discovered unresponsive at the scene. He was pronounced dead at 1:54 a.m.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to please contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at 808-961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.
