Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a three-vehicle collision that occurred on Monday, August 1, 2022, on Māmalahoa Highway in Pepe‘ekeō in which a 15-year-old male was killed.  

Responding to the collision, which was reported at 6:09 p.m., police determined that a 1996 Honda Civic was traveling south, (Hilo bound) on Māmalahoa Highway, (Highway 19), in the area of the 12 mile marker. As the Honda approached the double lanes it attempted to overtake another vehicle at which time it lost control on the wet asphalt and spun into the oncoming north-bound lane, colliding with a 2002 Chevrolet pickup truck that was traveling Hamakua bound. The third vehicle, a 2005 Toyota Solara, was traveling southbound behind the Honda and was struck by flying debris from the collision.

The operator of the Honda Civic, 20-year-old Tyson Acacio, and a rear passenger, a 15-year-old male, were ejected as a result of the collision. A 16-year-old female in the front seat passenger seat appeared to have been wearing a seatbelt and was not ejected.

Both Acacio and the female front passenger were conscious and transported to the Hilo Medical Center. Acacio sustained serious internal injuries and is currently in surgery, while the 16-year-old female sustained minor injuries and is set to be released pending treatment.

The 15-year-old rear passenger, identified as Zion Hao-Kallio, of Ocean View, was located unresponsive at the scene and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead later that evening at 9:12 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver of the 2002 Chevrolet pickup truck, a 40-year-old female, sustained a broken right heel and additional minor injuries and is currently being treated at Hilo Medical Center.

The operator of the 2005 Toyota Solara, a 58-year-old female, was not injured as a result of the traffic collision.

Police believe that speed is the primary factor in the outcome of this collision at this time. An investigation will continue into any additional contributing factors.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 25th fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to 13 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.