KAILUA-KONA — A man is dead after an auto-pedestrian crash Monday morning on Route 11 in Honalo.
Authorities have identified the pedestrian as 26-year-old Oliver Seitz of Holualoa.
At 4:34 a.m., Hawaii Police officers responded to the incident that occurred near Harold H. Higashihara Park, between mile markers 114 and 115 on Kuakini Highway, which is part of Route 11. According to authorities, a 58-year-old Kailua-Kona man, who was operating a silver Toyota Camry, was traveling north when he struck Seitz who was walking within the northbound lane of travel.
The pedestrian was dead on arrival. However, he was taken to Kona Community Hospital where he was officially pronounced dead at 7:40 a.m.
The operator of the Toyota was also taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries and was later released. Police do not believe speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, ext. 229. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo.
This is the 27th traffic fatality this year on Big Island public roads compared with 28 at this time last year.