HAWAII POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER D. GALI
PHONE: 961-2332
JANUARY 29, 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

A 36-year-old Paauilo man died Sunday (January 29, 2006) from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle crash on Route 190, .1 mile north of the 1 Mile Marker in Waimea.

Responding to a 11:29 p.m. (January 28, 2006) call, South Kohala patrol officers determined that the victim was traveling south on Route 190 and operating a 1978 Suzuki motorcycle when he ran off the right side of the road and struck a sign.

The victim was transported to the North Hawaii Community Hospital by Fire Rescue personnel where he died at 12:07 a.m.

It is unknown at this time if speed or alcohol were factors in this crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case to determine the exact cause of death.

The victim has been identified through fingerprints but officers have been unable to contact any next of kin.

Anyone who may know the victim or witnessed this crash is asked to call Officer Eric Cerezo of the Traffic Enforcement Unit at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the 4th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year, compared to 5 at the same time last year.

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