Hawai‘i Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Chris Correia
Phone: 961-2391
Report No. 20-054299
Media Release
A 34-year-old Hilo man died from injuries sustained in a two vehicle crash that occurred on Saturday morning, (July 18) on Highway 11, South of the 17-mile marker near the Glenwood Transfer Station.
The victim is identified as Johnathan Hara of Hilo.
Responding to a 6:44 a.m. call, police determined that a 2000 Honda 2 door sedan that was heading South on Highway 11, attempted to pass a motor vehicle heading the same direction. An oncoming 2011 Toyota Tacoma pickup that was heading North, operated by a 60-year-old male from Pahala was struck by the Honda.
The operator and lone occupant of the Honda was unresponsive at the scene and was transported to the Hilo Medical Center. He was pronounced dead at the Hilo Medical Center at 7:52 a.m.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma and two other passengers were transported to Hilo Medical Center with injuries. The 60-year-old male was treated and released with minor injuries. The 59-year-old female and 25-year-old female, both of Pahala remain at the Hilo Medical Center and are listed in stable condition.
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 collision to contact Officer Blayne Matsui of the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit at 961-2339. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-2339 in Hilo.
This is the 11th traffic fatality this year compared to 13 at this time last year.
