Responding to a 10:25 a.m. call, police determined that an orange 2014 Honda CB1100 motorcycle heading west (makai) on Daniel K. Inouye Highway ran off the roadway after striking a stop sign. The motorcycle then struck a guardrail and the rider was ejected. The motorcyclist was transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 2:50 p.m.
The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Police believe that speed was a possible factor in the incident.
The man has not been positively identified pending notification of next of kin. 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 collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 20th traffic fatality this year compared to 13 at this time last year.