A 19-year-old Kailua-Kona man operating a motorcycle died following a three-vehicle collision on Wednesday morning, June 15, 2022, in South Kona south of the intersection of Old Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 180) and Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11). This marks the third traffic fatality in as many days on Hawai‘i Island roads.

The motorcyclist has been positively identified as Justice Jayden Kawelu Kaawa. 

Responding to a 9:28 a.m. call, police determined that a gray 2019 Toyota 4Runner SUV operated by a 64-year-old Kealakekua woman, was making a left turn onto Highway 11 (north) when it was struck by a southbound black 2001 Honda VT1100 motorcycle operated by Kaawa.  After striking the Toyota SUV, the motorcycle then struck a silver 2016 Kia Sedona van operated by a 38-year-old Captain Cook woman. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

The driver of the Toyota SUV and the Kia van were not injured in the collision. A 17-year-old male passenger on the motorcycle was transported to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment of his injuries and is listed in stable condition. The motorcycle operator was also transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 3:49 p.m.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death and the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation.

Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. 

This is the 19th traffic fatality this year compared to 12 at this time last year. There is a correction to the total number of deaths that was previously reported. One traffic fatality was determined to be due to a medical condition.