KAILUA-KONA — Authorities have identified a man killed in a two-car crash on Kohala Mountain Road in Waimea this morning as 27-year-old Anson Guitang of Kapaau.
The collision was called in to emergency responders at 7:34 a.m. Hawaii Police Maj. Robert Wagner said the crash occurred near mile marker 6 around a curve in the roadway, also known as Highway 250.
According to police, Guitang was traveling toward Waimea in a green 2000 Honda Civic when he crossed the double solid lines and collided with a 70-year-old Kamuela man traveling north in a red 2008 Ford F-150 pickup.
Guitang was transported to North Hawaii Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 8:10 a.m.
The pickup driver and his passenger, a 24-year-old man, were also taken the hospital. They were taken by private vehicle. Both individuals were treated for their injuries and later released.
Police believe speed is a possible factor 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 Justin Hooser at 326-4646 ext. 229.
This is the 32nd traffic fatality this year compared to 32 at this time last year.
The crash shut down the roadway between mile marker 6 and Hawaii Preparatory Academy campus for approximately three hours.