KAILUA-KONA — A 60-year-old Kailua-Kona man died following a motorcycle versus SUV collision on Saturday in Kailua-Kona.
The man has yet to be positively identified, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
Responding to a 5:39 p.m. call, police determined that a white 2013 BMW HP4 motorcycle traveling on Palani Road (Highway 190) toward Waimea had crossed a double solid yellow line near a turn below the road’s intersection with Highway 180 and struck a southbound white 2019 Toyota Sequoia SUV head-on.
The Hawaii Fire Department, which also responded to the crash, reported the motorcyclist was trying to pass another vehicle on a blind turn when the collision occurred.
The Toyota Sequoia was being operated by a 25-year-old Kailua-Kona man, police said. The 60-year-old motorcyclist was transported to the Kona Community Hospital and pronounced dead at 8:50 p.m.
The driver of the Toyota Sequoia, 25, and his passengers, a 23-year-old woman and a 2-year-old child, were also taken to Kona Community Hospital. All three were released after being treated for their injuries.
Police believe speed and alcohol are possible factors in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Police are looking for a possible witness that was operating a white Tesla sedan that was also heading in the same direction as the BMW motorcycle.
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 sixth traffic fatality this year on Big Island public roads compared to seven at this time last year.