A man was killed Saturday night in a single-vehicle crash near Kaluahine Street on Highway 130 in Pahoa.
Police responded to a 9:21 p.m. traffic collision and determined that a 2000 Toyota Tacoma traveling north on Highway 130 had lost control and slid off the right shoulder of the roadway, causing the vehicle to roll, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The man operating the truck was the sole occupant, and was ejected from the vehicle in the crash. Responding medics located him unresponsive under the vehicle.
He was later transported to Hilo Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m. Sunday. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Police investigating the traffic collision have determined speed and the operator not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision are major factors in this investigation. At this time, police have not determined if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in this investigation. Police noted it had been raining off and on in the area at the time of the crash.
This is the 16th fatal traffic collision of 2021 compared to 13 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.