KAILUA-KONA — A 29-year-old Waimea man died following a two-vehicle crash Sunday on Kawaihae Road in South Kohala.
The Hawaii Police Department on Monday morning identified the victim as Ryan Estbavik.
Responding to a 10 p.m. report, police determined that a 2004 Kawasaki motorcycle operated by Estvanik had been traveling east on Kawaihae Road when the motorcycle crossed over the centerline of the roadway and collided head-on with a westbound 2014 Ford sedan operated by a 44-year-old Waimea man, police said. The crash occurred in the area of mile marker 64.
Estvanik suffered critical injuries in the crash and was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:40 p.m. The man driving the Ford sedan suffered minor injuries for which he was treated and released from the scene.
Speed appears to be a factor in this crash, but it is not immediately known if alcohol was a factor.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646, ext. 229. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island wide Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
This is the 15th traffic fatality this year on Hawaii Island roads compared with 18 at this time last year.