Media Release

A 28-year-old Pahoa man died Saturday (November 8) from injuries he sustained in a two-vehicle crash on Kahakai Boulevard .7 miles west of Kikou Street in Hawaiian Beaches.

The victim was identified as Pablo Arroyo-Patricio of a Pahoa address.

Responding to a 4:02 a.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2003 Mazda four-door sedan and traveling east on Kahakai Boulevard when he crossed the centerline and collided with a 2008 Mazda multi-purpose vehicle traveling west.

The driver of the Mazda multi-purpose vehicle, a 30-year-old Pahoa man, was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated for minor injuries and released.

The victim was transported to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:14 a.m. 

Police believe that speed and alcohol were involved. The victim also was not wearing his seat belt.

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 23rd traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 34 at this time last year.