A 26-year-old Kamuela man was severely injured following a single-vehicle collision on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, on Kawaihae Road, .2 mile west (makai) of the 66 mile marker in South Kohala.

Responding to a 4:03 a.m. call, police determined that a white 2010 Toyota 4Runner SUV was heading east (mauka) when it failed to negotiate a left hand turn and ran off the roadway. The Toyota 4Runner then struck a rock embankment and rolled over several times, ejecting the 26-year-old male driver. He was transported to the North Hawaii Community Hospital where he was listed in critical condition. 

Police believe that speed is a factor in the crash. Also the driver was not wearing his seatbelt.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a major traffic crash investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.