Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle traffic collision that occurred on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, which was reported at 4:32 p.m., on Daniel K. Inouye Highway, in the area of the 6 mile marker in Hilo. The driver of the vehicle died four days after the collision.
Police investigating the traffic collision determined that a 2004 Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck traveling east on Daniel K. Inouye Highway began to hydroplane and lose control causing the vehicle to spin. The vehicle continued off the eastbound shoulder of the roadway for approximately 50 feet and into a ditch approximately 150 feet deep. At the time of the traffic collision there was heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms, making the area very dangerous to traverse.
The driver of the pick-up truck, identified as 53-year-old Joselito Castillo of Ewa Beach, Oahu, was located at the scene unresponsive. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center and then subsequently to Queens Medical Center, Oahu, on March 8, while still in stable but critical condition. Hawai‘i Island police were notified by Queens Medical Center that Castillo was pronounced deceased on March 12, at 1:31 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The front seat passenger of the pickup truck, a 57-year-old male, was also transported to Hilo Medical Center for treatment of his injuries and was later released.
Police believe that speed, for the specific roadway conditions, is the primary factor in the outcome of this collision. Police do not believe alcohol or drugs are factors in this investigation. Further investigation will be conducted relative to any additional contributing factors.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police are asking that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information to contact Officer Blayne Matsui at (808) 961-2339 or via email Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the ninth fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to five fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year