A 30-year-old Waikoloa man died following a single-vehicle collision Sunday evening, August 13, 2023, in Ka‘ū, on Highway 11 fronting the entrance to the Manuka State Recreational Park near the 81.2 mile marker.

Responding to an 8:08 p.m. call, police determined that a black 2008 Mercedes Benz 280 convertible was heading north on Highway 11 at a very high rate of speed when it lost control and drove off of the roadway mauka, striking the rockwall sign fronting Manuka State Recreational Park. The driver was then ejected from the vehicle. He was transported to the Kona Community Hospital and was pronounced dead on Monday, August 14, 2023, at 1:18 a.m.

A 25-year-old Kailua-Kona man who was a passenger in the vehicle was also taken to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment, where he is currently listed in stable condition.

Police believe that speed and impairment are factors in the crash. The driver was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The man has not been positively identified. 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 anyone who may have witnessed the collision 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 11th traffic fatality this year compared to 25 at this time last year.