KAILUA-KONA — A 45-year-old Kailua-Kona man died following a four-vehicle crash Monday in North Kona.
The victim was identified as Gerald Wahinekapu, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Responding to a 6:43 a.m. call, police determined that a 2004 Ford pickup truck operated by Wahinekapu had been traveling south on Mamalahoa Highway, also known as Highway 190, near mile marker 18 when he crossed over the centerline of the roadway and sideswiped a 2002 Ford pickup truck operated by an 18-year-old Kailua-Kona man, which had been traveling north.
Wahinekapu’s vehicle continued south in the oncoming lane and collided head-on with a 2015 Dodge Ram pickup truck operated by a 32-year-old Kailua-Kona man, which had been traveling north. A 2018 Dodge SUV, operated by a 36-year-old Virginia man, sustained damage from the debris caused by the collision between the Ford and Ram pickup trucks.
The collision caused Wahinekapu to suffer critical injuries, and he was later pronounced dead at the Kona Community Hospital at 11:45 a.m.
The operator of the Ford pickup truck suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from the North Hawaii Community Hospital. The occupant of the Ford pickup truck suffered minor injuries and was treated and released from the scene.
The operator and occupants of the Ram pickup truck suffered minor injuries were treated and released from the scene.
The operator of the Dodge SUV did not sustain any injuries.
Police believe inattention was a factor in this crash, but it is not immediately known if alcohol involved. 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 accident to contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229.
This is the 18th traffic fatality this year compared with 20 at this time last year.