Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a dump truck that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 24, 2021, in the area between the 4 and 5-mile marker of Highway 132 in Pahoa.
Responding to a traffic collision at 4:08 p.m., police determined that a man driving a 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling east on Highway 132, crossed the double solid yellow line, and struck a 2001 tandem dump truck head-on that was traveling west on Highway 132.
Witnesses on the scene stated that the motorcycle had been observed passing vehicles and speeding in the area prior to the traffic collision.
The male operator of the motorcycle was ejected and located unresponsive on the shoulder of the road. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 8:13 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The male driver of the dump truck did not receive any injuries as a result of the traffic collision.
Police investigating the traffic collision has determined that speed and inattention are factors in this investigation. It appeared that the motorcyclist had his helmet on at the time of the collision. Police have not determined if alcohol and/or drugs are factors at this time.
The name of the motorcyclist is being withheld pending positive identification and the notification of next of kin.
This is the 15th fatal traffic collision of 2021 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 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.