Hawai‘i Police Department
Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Jeremy Riddle
Phone: (808) 961-2339
Report No.: 24-003709
Media Release
A 66-year-old Puna man passed away following a motor vehicle/pedestrian collision in Hilo on Thursday afternoon, January 11, 2024.
Officers responding to the 4:26 p.m. call determined that a 2018 Dodge pickup truck, operated by a 70-year-old Hilo man, was traveling south on Ohuohu Street between Makaala and Puainako Streets when it struck the pedestrian who was crossing the road fronting a food establishment and was not in a marked crosswalk.
The pedestrian, identified as Wayne Metz of Mountain View, was located unresponsive at the scene and was transported to the Hilo Medical Center via ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The operator of the pickup truck was not injured as a result of the collision.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and initiated a negligent homicide investigation, which is ongoing. At this time, police believe that speed was not a factor in the crash.
Police ask that anyone who has information regarding this collision to please contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the third traffic fatality of 2024 as compared to one traffic fatality this same time last year.
