Hawaii County Police report a 48-year-old Waikoloa man was killed following a three vehicle collision Friday on Waikoloa Road, .1 miles east of the 2 mile marker.
The deceased man has been identified as Wayne Lopaka Keikekanehaenalu Awai of Waikoloa.
Responding to a 7:01 p.m. call, police determined that a white 1990 Isuzu pickup being operated by Awai crossed the double solid yellow lines and sideswiped a westbound white 2018 Jeep Wrangler, operated by a 63 year-old man from California. The white Isuzu pick then struck a blue 2015 Mazda 6 sedan operated by a 36 year-old female from Kailua-Kona head-on. The 36 year-old female was transported to North Hawaii Community Hospital for treatment.
The 63 year-old male driver of the Jeep and his 53 year-old female passenger were not injured in the collision. Awai was transported to the Kona Hawaii Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 10:48 p.m.
Police do not believe speed is a factor in the collision.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646 ext. 229. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo.
This is the 6th traffic fatality this year compared to 2 at this time last year.