Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a single vehicle that occurred Saturday evening September 4, 2021, in the area of Highway 130 (Keaau-Pahoa Road) and Kaluahine Street in Pahoa.

Police responded to a 9:21 p.m. traffic collision and determined that a 2000 Toyota Tacoma traveling north on Highway 130 had lost control and slid off the right shoulder of the roadway, causing the vehicle to roll. The male operator and sole occupant of the truck were ejected and located unresponsive under the vehicle. It should be noted that the roadway was wet and it had been raining off and on in the area at the time of the collision.

He was later transported to Hilo Medical Center and was pronounced dead at 12:25 a.m. on Sunday, September 5. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Police investigating the traffic collision have determined speed and the operator not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision are major factors in this investigation. At this time, police have not determined if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in this investigation.

This is the 16th fatal traffic collision of 2021 compared to 13 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information to contact Officer Jared Cabatu at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jared.Cabatu@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.