Motorcyclist killed in Puna crash
A motorcyclist was killed Tuesday after colliding head-on with a dump truck on Highway 132 in Pahoa.
Responding to the 4:08 p.m. report, Hawaii Police Department officers determined that a man driving a 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling east on Highway 132 when he crossed the double solid yellow line and struck head-on a 2001 tandem dump truck traveling west on Highway 132. The crash occurred between mile markers 4 and 5.
Witnesses on scene said the motorcyclist was vehicles and speeding in the area prior to the collision.
The man operating the motorcycle was ejected and located unresponsive in the shoulder of the road. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 8:13 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. It appeared that the motorcyclist had his helmet on at the time of the collision.
The man driving the dump truck was uninjured, police said.
Police said speed and inattention appear to be factors in the crash. Police have not determined if alcohol and/or drugs are factors at this time.
The name of the motorcyclist is being withheld pending positive identification and the notification of next of kin.
This is the 15th fatal traffic collision of 2021 compared to 12 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information should contact Officer Blayne Matsui at (808) 961-2339 or via email Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
