Kona Fatality Update 01/08/00

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

MEDIA RELEASE UPDATE

Police have identified a Kona man who died in a motorcycle accident early Saturday (January 8, 2000) as Robert C. Palmer, 44, of a Kaloko Industrial Area address in North Kona.

Palmer died after his motorcycle collided with a signpost fronting the Hard Rock Cafe in Kailua-Kona.

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, Deborah Duncan, 43, of Kailua-Kona, to fall off the motorcycle. Palmer 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. He was not wearing a helmet.

Duncan 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.

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

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