KAILUA-KONA — A motorcyclist killed in a two-vehicle crash Friday evening has been identified as 40-year-old Gilbert Motta, of Kailua-Kona.
According to the Hawaii Police Departnent, the collision occurred at the intersection of Henry Street and Malulani Road, makai of the Kona Crossroads Shopping Center.
The call came in at 6:09 p.m. During the Traffic Enforcement Unit’s investigation, it was learned a 57-year-old Kailua-Kona woman, operating a light green 2003 Subaru station wagon attempted to make a left-turn onto Malulani Road when she was broadsided by a Motta, who was traveling mauka on a black 2009 Yamaha motorcycle. He was not wearing a helmet.
Motta was transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 8:45 p.m.
Police believe speed and alcohol to be factors in the crash.
TEU has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Justin Hooser at 808-326-4646 ext. 229.
This was the 30th traffic fatality this year compared to 32 at this time last year.