Hawai‘i Police Department
Hāmākua Patrol
Captain Reynold Kahalewai
Phone: (808) 775-7533
Report No. 21-068081
Media Release
An unidentified male died following a two vehicle collision on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 on Highway 19 near the 49 mile marker in Honoka‘a.
Officers responding to a two vehicle collision at 4:53 a.m. determined that a white colored Toyota pick-up truck had been travelling south, in the Honoka‘a bound lane, when it crossed the center line and struck a large bus head on that was traveling north in the Waimea bound lane.
The driver—and sole occupant—of the bus was transported to North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and treated for his injuries. The driver—and sole occupant—of the pick-up truck was unresponsive at the scene and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. His identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
This is the 14th fatal traffic collision compared to 12 fatal traffic collision during this same time period last year.
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 accident or has information to contact Sergeant Jeremy Riddle at (808) 961-2391. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300 in Hilo.