Community: 6-19-24 Police Investigate Traffic Fatality in Kailua-Kona

A 29-year-old Kailua-Kona man died in a two-vehicle collision that occurred on Wednesday, June 19, 2024. The incident took place at the intersection of Palani Road and Kealakaa Street which is located in North Kona, Hawaii.

The 29-year-old motorcycle rider victim remains unidentified at this time, pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

Responding to a call at 7:56 p.m., Police investigation revealed that a black 2023 Yamaha XTZ690 traveling north (mauka) had overtaken several vehicles on Palani Road prior to the crash. After passing the vehicles, the motorcycle was then observed disregarding a red stop light and drove between two stopped vehicles at the intersection. The motorcycle clipped a silver 2006 Nissan Frontier pickup truck that was being operated by a 59-year-old Kailua-Kona man. After clipping the Nissan pickup, the rider was ejected from the motorcycle and struck a utility pole. The 29-year-old male rider was transported to the Kona Community Hospital and was pronounced dead at 10:04 p.m.

Police believe that speed was a factor in the crash. The 29-year-old male was not wearing his helmet.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Ansel Robinson at 326-4646 ext. 229 or email at ansel.robinson@hawaiicounty.gov.

This is the 19th traffic fatality this year compared to 9 at this time last year.