KAILUA-KONA— Two men are dead after a head-on collision about 1 a.m. Thursday near mile marker 81 on Queen Kaahumanu Highway in North Kona.
Responding to a 1:02 a.m. call, police determined that the operator of a 1999 Chevrolet van had been traveling south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway when it crossed the centerline and was involved in a head-on collision with a 2004 Honda van, which had been traveling north.
The driver of the Honda was taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:05 a.m. He has been identified as 48-year-old Thomas Callero of Waikoloa.
The driver of the Chevrolet was also taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:10 a.m. He has been identified as 70-year-old Stewart Kroll of Kailua-Kona.
“It was not immediately known if speed or alcohol were factors in the crash,” police said in a press release.
The road was closed for about five hours while investigators gathered evidence.
Officer from the Traffic Enforcement Unit started a negligent homicide investigation and are asking for anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
These are the third and fourth traffic fatalities on public roadways this year compared with five at this time last year.