Hawaiʻi Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Acting Sergeant Clarence W. Davies
Phone: 961-8118
Report No. C13015700
Media Release (update)
Hawaiʻi Island police are renewing their request for information about a fatal one-vehicle crash Friday (June 14) that killed a 23-year-old Hilo man.
The crash on Kalanianaole Avenue near Kioea Street in Hilo.
Responding to a 11:06 p.m. call, Hilo Patrol Officers determined that a 2006 Acura sedan was traveling westbound on Kalanianaole Avenue bear Kioea Street when it crossed the center line, ran off the roadway and struck a utility pole and a rock wall.
The driver, who was identified as Joseph Nieves Jr. of Hilo, died at the scene. An 18-year-old male passenger of Hilo was taken to Hilo Medical Center for injuries sustained in the crash and later transferred to Honolulu.
The driver and the passenger were both wearing their seat belts.
Police believe that speed and alcohol were both factors in this crash.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated coroners inquest and negligent injury investigations and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Police ask anyone who saw the crash or has any information about it to contact Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119 or taurello@co.hawaii.hi.us.
This is the 18th traffic fatality on Hawaii Island this year compared with 14 at the same time last year.
