Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a two vehicle traffic collision in the area of Kea‘au-Pahoa Road and Kaloli Drive, Kea‘au that occurred on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Responding to a traffic collision at 7:03 a.m., police learned that a 1995 Honda sedan rear-ended a 2011 Kia SUV while both vehicles were traveling Pahoa bound on Kea‘au-Pahoa Road. As a result of the collision, the Honda overturned landing on its roof.

The operator of the 2011 Kia SUV, a 63-year old female from Kea‘au, was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center with substantial bodily injuries as a result of the collision and is currently in stable condition.

The operator of the 1995 Honda sedan, a 29-year old male from Kea‘au, was also transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center as a result of his injuries sustained from the collision. While at Hilo Benioff Medical Center his condition worsened and he was flown to the Queens Medical Center in critical but stable condition.

At this time police believe that speed and impairment are factors in this investigation.

The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit will be continuing this Negligent Injury investigation.

If anyone has additional information regarding this collision they may contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339, or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov.