Police have identified Joseph Nieves Jr., 23, of Hilo as the man who died Friday from injuries he received in a one-vehicle crash on Kalanianaole Avenue near Kioea Street in Hilo, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Police have identified Joseph Nieves Jr., 23, of Hilo as the man who died Friday from injuries he received in a one-vehicle crash on Kalanianaole Avenue near Kioea Street in Hilo, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Responding to a 11:06 p.m. call, Hilo patrol officers determined that a 2006 Acura sedan was traveling westbound on Kalanianaole Avenue, crossed the center line, ran off the roadway and struck a utility pole and a rock wall. An 18-year-old male passenger of Hilo was taken to Hilo Medical Center for injuries he suffered in crash and later transferred to Honolulu. The driver and the passenger were both wearing their seat belts, police said.
Speed and alcohol were both factors in this crash, police said.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated coroners inquest and negligent injury investigations and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Anyone with information about this crash should call Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119 or email turello@co.hawaii.hi.us.
This is the 18th traffic fatality on Hawaii Island this year.