A 27-year-old man died following a single-vehicle collision on Thursday, March 31, 2022, on Māmalahoa Highway (Highway 190), just south of the 17-mile marker in North Kona.
The man has not been positively identified pending notification of next of kin.
Responding to a 9:00 p.m. call, police determined that a gray 1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was heading north failed to negotiate a curve in the road, and crossed over the double solid yellow lines. The Toyota Tacoma then struck a rock embankment, overturned in the lava field, and caught on fire. The driver was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 1:16 a.m.
Police believe that speed is a factor in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 12th traffic fatality this year compared to seven at this time last year.