KAILUA-KONA — A 45-year-old Waikoloa man died following a two-vehicle crash Saturday in North Kona.
The motorcyclist was identified as John Paul Simonsen of Waikoloa, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Police say Simonsen was operating a southbound 2001 red Honda motorcycle when he collided with a green 2014 Subaru station wagon driven by a 77-year-old Holualoa woman that was attempting to make a left-turn onto Mamalahoa Highway, also known as Highway 180, from a private driveway. The crash occurred near mile marker 7 in Holualoa.
Police say Simonsen lost control of the motorcycle and grazed the Subaru after laying the bike down on the roadway.
The Waikoloa man was transported to the Kona Community Hospital in critical condition, where he was pronounced dead at 8:03 p.m.
The operator of the Subaru station wagon was not injured in the collision and was later released pending further investigation.
Police believe speed was a possible factor in the crash. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
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 anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Justin Hooser at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229.
This is the 31st traffic fatality this year on Big Island public roads this year compared to 32 at this time last year.