MEDIA RELEASE

A 65-year-old Kaneohe man died Thursday (August 30) from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle/motor vehicle crash on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) in the area of the 8-mile marker.

The victim was identified as Robert A. Ueno, of Kaneohe.

Responding to a 1:51 p.m. call, South Kohala patrol officers determined the victim was operating a 2001 Harley Davidson motorcycle and traveling north on Kohala Mountain Road when he lost control, crossed the centerline and collided with a 2007 Dodge 4-door station wagon traveling south and being operated by a 47-year-old Honolulu man.

Fire Rescue personnel took both drivers to North Hawaii Community Hospital.  A 46-year-old female passenger in the Dodge was not injured. The driver of the Dodge was treated and released with minor injuries.

The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at 2:48 p.m.  He was not wearing a helmet.

Police do not believe that alcohol or drugs were involved but they do believe speed was a factor in the crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. 

This is the 24th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 25 at the same time last year.

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