Woman Dies in Puna Moped Crash

An unidentified female died following a moped crash on Sunday evening, June 14, 2021, on Government Beach Road in the area of Papaya Farms Road in Puna.

Police responded to a 5:08 p.m. traffic collision and determined that a 2016 Kymco moped traveling north on Government Beach Road just north of Papaya Farms Road, veered off the left shoulder, striking a tree and falling into a four-foot ditch.

The operator of the moped has not been identified at this time but suffered severe trauma to her head as a result of the collision. She was unresponsive at the scene and later transported to Hilo Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 9:05 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Investigators determined the operator was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. Police have not discovered if speed, alcohol and/or drugs are factors in this investigation at this time.

This is the 12th fatal traffic collision of 2021 compared to 10 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.

The East Hawai’i Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information to contact Officer Blayne Matsui at 808-961-2339 or send an email to Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov.