Motorcyclist killed in Hilo crash

An unidentified man died Monday evening after apparently losing control of his motorcycle and then being struck by an oncoming vehicle in Hilo.

Responding to a 6:30 p.m. call, police determined that a 2014 Honda Grom motorcycle was traveling east on Kaumana Drive approaching the Saddle Road intersection on a wet roadway when the male operator crossed Kaumana Drive from the east-bound lane into the west-bound gravel shoulder, according to the Hawaii Police Department. At that point, the motorcyclist apparently lost control, with the motorcycle and its operator coming to a rest in the intersection.

A woman driving a 2020 Kia sedan traveling west on Saddle Road swerved to the left to avoid the motorcycle, which was located in its lane, and subsequently struck the motorcyclist who was laying in the middle of the roadway. At the time of the crash the roads were wet, the area was dark, and it was raining.

The motorcyclist was located unresponsive in the middle of the roadway. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 7:50 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police investigating the traffic collision have determined that speed and wet road conditions are factors in this investigation. The operator of the motorcycle did not have a helmet on at the time of the collision and was wearing a black hoodie. Police have not determined if alcohol and/or drugs are factors at this time.

The name of the motorcyclist is being withheld pending positive identification and the notification of next of kin.

The driver of the Kia sedan did not receive any injuries, according to police.

This is the 21st fatal traffic crash this year compared to 13 at this point in 2020.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information should contact Officer Blayne Matsui at (808) 961-2339 or via email Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.