HPD Identifies Victim in Big Island Motorcycle Crash

Police have identified the victim of a traffic fatality on the Big Island.

HPD said 39-year-old William Townsend, of Hilo, died after a motorcycle collision on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021.

Police responding to the 6:30 p.m. traffic collision in the area of Saddle Road and Kaumana Drive in Hilo determined that a 2014 Honda Grom motorcycle was traveling east/downhill, on Kaumana Drive approaching the Saddle Road intersection on a wet roadway. The motorcycle crossed Kaumana Drive from the east bound lane and into the west bound gravel shoulder causing the motorcyclist to lose control and fall, coming to rest in the intersection on Saddle Road.

A 2020 Kia sedan traveling west on Saddle Road swerved to the left to avoid the motorcycle, which was located in its lane and subsequently struck the motorcyclist who was laying in the middle of the roadway, according to a police report. At the time of the collision the roads were wet, the area was dark and it was raining.

Police investigating the traffic collision have determined that speed and wet road conditions are factors in this investigation. The operator of the motorcycle did not have a helmet on at the time of the collision and was wearing a black hoodie. Police have not determined if alcohol and/or drugs are factors at this time.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation, which remains pending. Police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information about it, to contact Officer Blayne Matsui at (808) 961-2339 or via email Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.