Hawaii Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
November 4, 2007
Report No. C07035708

Media Release

A 23-year-old Kailua-Kona man died Sunday (November 4) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, .3 miles south of the 85 mile-marker.

The victim was identified as Michael K. Gomes, of Kailua-Kona.

Responding to a 3:33 p.m. call, Kona patrol and Traffic Enforcement Unit officers determined that the victim was driving a 2004 Chevrolet multi-purpose vehicle and traveling south on Queen Kaahumanu Highway when he lost control and ran off the right shoulder of the road and overturned. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle.

Witnesses reported that prior to the crash, the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and had overtaken four to five other vehicles.

An 18-year-old female passenger and a 2-year-old boy were transported to North Hawaii Community Hospital and were treated and released with minor injuries. The female was wearing a seat belt and the child was in a car seat.

Gomes was transported to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:45 p.m.

Police believe that speed and alcohol played roles in this crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner's inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Marvin Troutman at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the 34th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 29 at this time last year.