A 31-year-old man remains hospitalized following a single-vehicle crash early Sunday in North Kona.
The man, originally from Wisconsin, suffered severe injuries in the reportedon Queen Kaahumanu Highway, just south of the Henry Street intersection.
Responding to a 2:08 a.m. call, police determined that a red 2004 Nissan 350Z convertible was heading south and nearly struck a pedestrian who was crossing the highway in a marked crosswalk. The Nissan then lost control, striking several large boulders on the west (makai) side of the highway and rolling over several times before the vehicle came to a stop. The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of collision, was ejected more than 300 feet from the vehicle.
The driver was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was listed in critical condition. He was subsequently transported to the Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment.
Police believe that excessive speed is a factor in the crash.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a traffic crash investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.