Hawaiʻi Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit, Area II
Sergeant Bradley P. Freitas
Phone: 326-4646. Ext. 229
Report No. C16006452
Media Release (corrects vehicle directions of travel in 2nd paragraph and drivers of vehicles in 3rd and 4th paragraphs)
Two men died in a traffic crash early Thursday morning (March 3) in North Kona near the 81-mile marker of Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway.
Responding to a 1:02 a.m. call, police determined that the operator of a 1999 Chevrolet van had been traveling south on Queen Kaʻahumanu Highway when it crossed the centerline and was involved in a head-on collision with a 2004 Honda van, which had been traveling north.
The driver of the Honda was taken to North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:05 a.m. He has been identified as 48-year-old Thomas Callero of Waikoloa.
The driver of the Chevrolet was also taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:10 a.m. He has been identified as 70-year-old Stewart Kroll of Kailua-Kona.
It was not immediately known if speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking for anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646, extension 229. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
These are the third and fourth traffic fatalities this year compared with five at this time last year.
