KAILUA-KONA — A 30-year-old Keaau man died following a single-vehicle crash Tuesday night on Highway 11 south of Hookena.
The man has yet to be positively identified, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Responding to an 11:55 p.m. call, police determined that a white 1993 Nissan pickup truck heading north on Highway 11 crossed the centerline near a turn and drove off an embankment on the makai side of the highway, police said. The crash occurred about 0.3 miles south of mile marker 99.
The man was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:58 a.m. Wednesday.
Police say speed is a possible factor in the crash. The driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of 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 crash to contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229.
This is the second traffic fatality on Hawaii Island’s public roads this year compared to zero at this time last year.