A 55-year-old Hilo man died Sunday from injuries he suffered in a July 13 vehicle versus motorcycle crash at the intersection of Kinoole and Mohouli streets in Hilo.
A 55-year-old Hilo man died Sunday from injuries he suffered in a July 13 vehicle versus motorcycle crash at the intersection of Kinoole and Mohouli streets in Hilo.
The man has been identified as Earl M. Arakaki, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Responding to a 10:05 p.m. July 13 call, South Hilo patrol officers determined that Arakaki was operating a 2007 Honda motorcycle and traveling north on Kinoole Street when a 67-year-old Kailua-Kona woman driving a 2003 Honda four-door sedan and traveling south on Kinoole Street failed to yield the right of way and made a left turn in front of Arakaki, according to police.
Arakaki was not wearing a helmet. Hawaii Fire Department rescue personnel took him to Hilo Medical Center, where he remained until his death.
It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved, according to police. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have reclassified the negligent injury case to a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death
Because Arakaki died more than 31 days after the incident, his death is not counted toward the official traffic fatality count.
Anyone with information on the crash should call Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119.