Hawaiʻi Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit, Area II
Sergeant Thomas Koyanagi
Phone: (808) 326-4646 ext. 229
Report No. 20-011780
Media Release (Update)
A 31-year-old North Kohala man died following a two-vehicle collision on Monday (February 10) on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, .1 mile north of the 79-mile marker.
The 31 year-old male has been positively identified as Ira Michael De Mattos.
Responding to a 12:26 a.m. call, police determined that a red 2018 Honda CBR motorcycle heading north (Kamuela bound) had passed another vehicle at a high rate of speed in the opposite shoulder of the roadway. The motorcycle was in a passing zone and sideswiped a southbound gray 2016 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. The motorcycle was driving with the headlight off. The Chevrolet pickup was being operated by a 49-year-old Kailua-Kona man. The 31-year-old male rider was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 5:10 a.m.
The driver of the Chevrolet pickup, along with his two female passengers were not injured in the collision.
Police believe that speed is a factor in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Kelsey Kobayashi at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229.
This is the 4th traffic fatality this year compared to 2 at this time last year.
