One person was killed in a two-vehicle crash involving a semitrailer Tuesday morning on Daniel K. Inouye Highway in Hilo.
Responding to the 10:13 a.m. report, Hawaii Police Department officers determined that a 2001 Kenworth semitrailer driven by a 58-year-old Hilo man was traveling west, or Kona bound, on Daniel K. Inouye Highway approaching the Kaumana Drive intersection when he collided with a 2007 Honda SUV.
The Honda had initiated a left-hand turn from the east- or Hilo-bound lanes to head on Kaumana Drive when the SUV was struck broadside by the semitrailer, according to police. The Hawaii Fire Department noted both vehicles were located about 120 yards north of the intersection.
The driver of the Honda has yet to be positively identified was pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center, according to police. The driver of the semitrailer was also injured and taken to Hilo Medical Center for treatment.
The department’s Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation in the case and asks anyone with information to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or email to clifford.antonio@hawaiicounty.gov.