January 1, 2025 | Pāhoa, Hawai‘i
Hawai‘i Island police have identified the bicyclist killed in a traffic collision on December 30, 2024, as 58-year-old James M. Cordova of Pāhoa.
The crash occurred at approximately 7:57 p.m. on Kahakai Boulevard near Olao Street. According to investigators, Cordova was riding his blue mountain bike eastbound in the same lane as a 2018 Volkswagen GTI sedan driven by 36-year-old Michael L. Richardson, also of Pāhoa. Richardson’s vehicle struck Cordova, leaving him unresponsive at the scene.
Cordova was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead at 8:55 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Arrest and Investigation
Police arrested Richardson for:
- First-degree negligent homicide
- Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant
- No motor vehicle insurance policy
After consultation with the County Prosecutor’s Office, Richardson was released pending further investigation and the results of toxicology tests.
Appeal for Witnesses
The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit is seeking witnesses or anyone with information regarding the collision. Individuals are encouraged to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or email Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov. Anonymous tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
Traffic Fatality Statistics
Cordova’s death marks the 29th traffic fatality on Hawai‘i Island in 2024, a significant increase compared to 15 fatalities during the same period in 2023.