Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist that occurred Monday evening, December 30, 2024, in Pāhoa. The driver of the vehicle, identified as 36-year-old Michael L. Richardson of Pāhoa, was arrested following the crash and faces charges of negligent homicide, operating under the influence, and lacking a valid motor vehicle insurance policy.
According to police, the collision was reported at 7:57 p.m. on Kahakai Boulevard near Olao Street. Investigators determined that Richardson, driving a 2018 Volkswagen GTI sedan, was traveling eastbound when the vehicle struck a man riding a blue mountain bike in the same direction on the eastbound lane.
The bicyclist, believed to be in his 50s, was found unresponsive at the scene. He was transported by ambulance to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:55 p.m. Authorities have not yet identified the bicyclist, pending confirmation of his identity and notification of next of kin. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Richardson remains in custody at the Hilo Police Station as investigations continue. He was arrested for:
- First-degree negligent homicide
- Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant
- Operating a vehicle without a valid insurance policy
The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has relevant details. Officer Jerome Duarte can be reached at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This incident marks the 29th traffic fatality on Hawai‘i Island in 2024, nearly doubling the 15 fatalities recorded by this time last year.
