East Hawai‘i News

Police investigating 26th traffic fatality of 2026 following single-vehicle crash in Mountain View

Published October 3, 2026 • 10:21 AM HST
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Hawai‘i Island police are investigating after a man was discovered unresponsive following a single-vehicle traffic crash the night of Oct. 2 in Mountain View.

Police responded just after 10 p.m. Friday to a traffic crash on North Kulani Road, just south of Stainback Highway.

Investigators determined a green 1998 Toyota pickup truck was traveling south on North Kulani Road when the driver lost control, causing the truck to veer onto the right shoulder, strike a tree and overturn.

The driver, the only occupant, was found unresponsive at the scene.

Fire and medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced dead at 10:32 p.m.

Police think speed, not wearing a seatbelt as well as alcohol and/or drugs are factors in the crash. An autopsy was ordered to determine the man’s exact cause of death.

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

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at 808-961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.

This is the 26th traffic fatality of 2026 on Hawai‘i Island.

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