Hawai‘i Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Jeremy Riddle
Phone: (808) 961-2391
Report No. 22-044360
Media Release
Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single vehicle traffic collision which occurred on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 9:51 p.m., in the area of Kanoelehua and East Kawailani Street, Hilo, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist.
The motorcyclist, identified as 40-year-old Eric Fontes of Hilo, was located unresponsive on scene and transported in critical condition to Hilo Medical Center and later to Queen Medical Center on Oahu.
Police were notified that Fontes died at Queens Medical Center on May 25, 2022, at 3:56 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine that exact cause of death.
At the time of the collision, the motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and the roadway was dry. Further investigation will be conducted by the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit relative to any additional contributing factors.
The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation, which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has information to contact Officer Clifford Antonio at (808) 961-2339 or via email Clifford.Antonio@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This is the 17th traffic fatality this year compared to 11 at this time last year.
