Cyclist killed by suspected drunk driver

HILO — A 66-year-old Hilo man arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of DUI and first-degree negligent homicide following a traffic collision that killed a bicyclist on Kaumana Drive has a prior conviction for DUI.

According to court records, Nicanor R. Quebral pleaded no contest to DUI on Sept. 14, 2005, for an incident that occurred on Oct. 10, 2014. He was found guilty, fined $300 and assessed $162 in fees.

Officers responding to a 9:04 p.m. call Wednesday determined Quebral — who has no other criminal record in Hawaii — was driving mauka and his 2008 Dodge pickup truck was within the two-way center median turn lane on Kaumana Drive below Wiliwili Street when he collided with a bicyclist traveling makai on Kaumana. The bike also was within the two-way center median turn lane, police said.

Police identified the victim, who was wearing dark clothing when the collision occurred, as 40-year-old Wayne W. Geil of Hilo. Geil was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 10:28 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered.

Quebral, who wasn’t injured in the crash. He was taken into custody and is being held at the Hilo police cellblock as the investigation continues. According to a police log, he must be charged by 9:35 p.m. tonight or released pending further investigation.

Kaumana Drive was closed in both directions as police investigated, and motorists were advised to use Waianuenue Avenue and the Mohouli Street extension as alternate routes.

A police text message at 5:41 a.m. Thursday said Kaumana Drive had been re-opened.

Geil’s death is the 17th official traffic fatality compared to 24 at the same time last year.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at 961-2339 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.