Hawai‘i Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit – Area I
Sergeant Jeremy Riddle
Phone: (808) 961-2391
Report No.: 21-023172
Media Release
A 75-year-old Hilo man, identified as Franklin Dacanay, died following a five vehicle collision on Tuesday afternoon, March 23, 2021, in the area of the Ainaola Drive and Mikokoi Street intersection in Hilo.
Police responded to a 2:09 p.m. traffic collision and determined that a 1998 Toyota Tacoma traveling west on Ainaola Drive overcorrected his steering while negotiating a curve, causing the truck to cross the double solid yellow line and sideswipe a 2005 Dodge Ram that was traveling east on Ainaola Drive.
The Tacoma continued traveling west on Ainaola Drive in the eastbound lane and crossed the Mikokoi Street intersection, subsequently crashing through a fence and into a 2014 Dodge Ram, parked unattended at a residence. This caused the 2014 Dodge Ram to collide with a 2003 Acura MDX, which then collided with a 2001 Toyota Avalon, all of which were parked unattended next to each other.
Dacanay was not wearing his seatbelt and was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center via ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 2:54 pm. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver of the 2005 Dodge Ram, a 52-year-old Hilo woman, and her two passengers did not report any injuries at this time.
Police investigating the traffic collision have determined that speed and not wearing a seatbelt are factors in this traffic collision. Police are unable to determine if alcohol, drugs, or a medical condition are factors in this investigation at this time.
This is the seventh fatal traffic collision this year compared to six fatal traffic collisions for this same time period last year.
The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at 961-2339 or via email Clifford.Antonio@hawaiicounty.gov.
