KAILUA-KONA — A 66-year-old man is dead following a single-car crash Monday afternoon at a North Kohala beach park.
The man was identified as Myron Okubo of Kapaau.
Responding to a 3:25 p.m. call, police determined that a 2000 Dodge pickup truck had been traveling north on Keokea Beach Road while the operator and sole occupant (Okubo) was being dragged outside the vehicle. The pickup then veered west across the roadway and down a short embankment where it struck a tree.
The crash with the tree caused Okubo to become pinned between the front driver’s door and the cab of the pickup where Okubo sustained critical injuries.
Okubo was taken to the Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:19 p.m. Monday.
Speed does not appear to be a factor in this crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident should contact Officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646 ext. 229. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo.
This is the third traffic fatality this year compared to four at this time l ast year.