Media Release (update)

Police traffic investigators have identified a Kona man who was killed Saturday (September 1, 2007) from injuries he sustained in a one-vehicle crash on the Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11) in the area of the 102 mile-marker in the Hookena area of South Kona.

The driver was identified as Jordan Thomas Hauge, of a Kailua-Kona address.

Responding to a 8:46 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers determined that a 2005 Ford two-door sedan was traveling south on Hawaii Belt Road when the victim lost control, crossed the centerline and struck an embankment.  The driver was not wearing a seatbelt.

Fire Rescue personnel took a male passenger from the Ford to Kona Community Hospital. 

The driver was pronounced dead at Kona Community Hospital.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in the 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 26^th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 25 at this time last year.

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