(Update) Motorcyclist Injured in Kea‘au Traffic Collision Dies
Hawai‘i Island police report that the 64-year-old man who was critically injured in a two-vehicle collision on Thursday, July 30, 2026, on Highway 11 in Kea‘au has passed away. He has been identified as Clifford Gouveia of Hilo.
Puna Patrol officers responded to a report of a collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle at 7:26 p.m. between the Macadamia Nut Road and Kipimana Street intersections.
The preliminary investigation determined that a gray 2013 Honda CRV multi-purpose vehicle driven by a 38-year-old man, was traveling south (Kea‘au-bound) on Highway 11 when it was rear-ended by a dark blue 2003 Harley Sportster motorcycle operated by Gouveia. Police determined he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
Gouveia was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center for treatment before he was medivacked to the Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu where he succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased on August 3, 2026 at 4:29 p.m.
The driver of the Honda and a passenger were not injured.
Officers with the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and are continuing the investigation. At this time, police believe speed and inattention were contributing factors to the collision.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the collision or who has information regarding the incident to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters can also call the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
This is the 21st traffic fatality of 2026 as compared to 14 traffic fatalities this same time last year.
