Hilo man killed in motorcycle collision
Hawaii Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving two motorcylces that was reported just after 6 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Kilauea Avenue and East Palai Street in Hilo.
One of the motorcyclists was killed and the other was arrested on an array of offenses.
Police investigators determined that a Heavy Metal Customs motorcycle was traveling south on Kilauea Avenue when it collided with a 2007 Honda motorcycle that was making a left turn from East Palai Street onto Kilauea Avenue to also continue south. At the time of the collision, the roadway was dry and neither operator was wearing a helmet.
Both motorcycle operators were responsive at the scene and transported to the Hilo Medical Center via ambulance.
Upon arrival at Hilo Medical Center, the operator of the 2007 Honda motorcycle, 59-year-old Elgin Camacho of Hilo, was unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at 6:49 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The operator of the custom Heavy Metal Customs motorcycle, 51-year-old Reginald Bothelo, was arrested for first-degree negligent homicide, drunken driving, third-degree promoting a dangerous drug, possessing drug paraphernalia, consuming or possessing alcohol while operating a vehicle, driving with a suspended or revoked license and failure to have vehicle insurance.
After conferring with the county Prosecutor’s Office, Bothelo was released pending further investigation and remains hospitalized for treatment of his injuries.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information should contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 32nd fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to 22 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.
