Hawaii Island police are investigating a three-vehicle collision that occurred on Monday evening on Mamalahoa Highway in Pepeekeo that left a 15-year-old boy dead.
Responding to the 6:09 p.m. report, police determined that a 1996 Honda Civic was traveling south on Mamalahoa Highway, (Highway 19), in the area of mile marker 12 when it attempted to overtake another vehicle at the double lanes. During the attempt, the vehicle lost control on the wet asphalt and spun into the oncoming north-bound lane, colliding with a 2002 Chevrolet pickup truck that was traveling northbound. A third vehicle, a 2005 Toyota Solara, was traveling southbound behind the Honda and was struck by flying debris from the collision.
The operator of the Honda Civic, 20-year-old Tyson Acacio, and a rear passenger, the 15-year-old, were ejected as a result of the collision. A 16-year-old girl in the front seat passenger seat appeared to have been wearing a seatbelt and was not ejected.
Both Acacio and the front passenger were conscious and transported to the Hilo Medical Center. Acacio suffered serious internal injuries and was last reported to be in surgery, while the 16-year-old girl suffered minor injuries and is set to be released pending treatment.
The 15-year-old rear passenger, identified as Zion Hao-Kallio, of Ocean View, was located unresponsive at the scene and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 9:12 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver of the 2002 Chevrolet pickup truck, a 40-year-old woman, suffered a broken right heel and additional minor injuries and is being treated at Hilo Medical Center.
The operator of the 2005 Toyota Solara, a 58-year-old woman, was not injured as a result of the traffic collision.
Police believe that speed is the primary factor in the outcome of this collision at this time.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision should contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 25th fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to 13 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year