Hawaiʻi Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Christopher D. Gali
Phone: 961-2332
Report No. C12018532
Media Release
A 55-year-old Hilo man died Sunday (August 26) at 4:05 p.m. at Hilo Medical Center from injuries he received in a motor vehicle/motorcycle crash at the intersection of Kinoʻole Street and Mohouli Street on July 13.
The man was identified as Earl M. Arakaki, of a Hilo address.
Responding to a 10:05 p.m. call (July 13), South Hilo patrol officers determined that Arakaki was operating a 2007 Honda motorcycle and traveling north on Kinoʻole Street when a 67-year-old woman from Kailua-Kona operating a 2003 Honda four-door sedan and traveling south on Kinoʻole Street failed to yield the right of way and made a left turn in front of Arakaki.
Arakaki was not wearing a helmet. Fire Department rescue personnel took him to Hilo Medical Center, where he remained confined until his death.
It is unknown at this time if speed, alcohol or drugs were involved.
The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have reclassified a negligent injury case to a negligent homicide investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Police ask that anyone with information about this crash call Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119.
Because Arakaki died more than 31 days after the incident, his death is not counted toward the official traffic fatality count.
