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Kona Fatality 01/08/00

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT SAMUEL V. JELSMA
PHONE: 961-2332
JANUARY 8, 2000
G-16606

MEDIA RELEASE

A 44-year-old Kona man died early Saturday (January 8, 2000) after his motorcycle collided with a signpost fronting the Hard Rock Cafe in Kailua-Kona.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Responding to an 11:28 p.m. accident call, Kona police determined that the victim was riding his 1977 Harley Davidson motorcycle north on Alii Drive when he accelerated rapidly, causing his female passenger, 43, to fall off the motorcycle. The victim then lost control, riding into the right shoulder curb and colliding with the signpost.

The victim was transported to the Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:01 a.m. from head injuries suffered in the accident.

The victim was not wearing a helmet.

The female passenger received minor injuries and refused medical treatment.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers are continuing the investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Alcohol was believed to be a factor in the accident.

The death was first traffic fatality of the year, compared to none at this time last year.

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