A 34-year-old man that died following a two-vehicle collision on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, on Highway 19 near the 49-mile marker in Honoka‘a has been identified by Hawai‘i Police Department as Valentine Gines Jr., of Pa‘auilo.

Officers responding to the two-vehicle collision at 4:53 a.m. determined that a white-colored Nissan pick-up truck had been traveling south, in the Honoka‘a bound lane, when it crossed the center line and struck a school bus head-on that was traveling north in the Waimea bound lane.

Gines Jr. was the driver and sole occupant of the Nissan truck. He was unresponsive at the scene and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 9:43 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver, and sole occupant, of the school bus, was transported to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and treated for his injuries.

Police investigating the traffic collision believe inattention to be a primary factor in this traffic collision. Police are unable to determine if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in this investigation at this time.

This is the 14th fatal traffic collision compared to 12 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 Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2329 or email Clifford.Antonio@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo.