North Kona – In a heartbreaking incident early Tuesday morning, a two-vehicle traffic crash on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway has resulted in the deaths of a husband and wife from Waimea.

The collision, which occurred around 5:41 a.m. near the 79.5-mile marker, has prompted an extensive investigation by Hawai‘i Island police. According to police reports, a silver 2021 Kia Forte sedan, traveling southbound in an apparent attempt to overtake multiple vehicles—including a tractor-trailer loaded with a full tank of fuel—collided head-on with a northbound brown 2004 Nissan Frontier pickup truck.

The couple, identified as 51-year-old Reginald Kaleilehua Tolentino Jr. and 55-year-old Colette Marie Kaleialoha Tolentino, were immediately transported to Kona Community Hospital. Tragically, they were pronounced dead at 10:48 a.m. as a result of their injuries.

The driver of the Nissan pickup truck, a 55-year-old man, sustained life-threatening injuries and was first taken to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital for initial treatment. He was later transferred to Queen’s Medical Center on O‘ahu for more extensive care.

In response to this tragic incident, the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has launched a major traffic collision investigation.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash to come forward with information. Witnesses can contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or via email at adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This incident marks the 6th and 7th traffic fatalities on Hawai‘i Island this year, compared to only four fatalities at the same time last year.