Media Release

A 20-year-old Kona man died early Friday (July 30) in a one-car crash on Palani Road in Kailua-Kona .02 miles west of Konalani Street.

The victim was identified as Chayson K. E. Matsuoka of Kailua-Kona.

Kona patrol officers responding to a 12:48 a.m. call determined that Matsuoka had been traveling up Palani Road in a 1999 Toyota 2-door sedan when the car ran off the side of the road and down an embankment. It then tumbled 150 feet, ejecting the driver, who was not wearing a seat belt. A 35-year-old female passenger, who was wearing a seat belt, remained in the vehicle.

Fire rescue personnel took both to Kona Community Hospital, where Matsuoka was pronounced dead at 3:05 a.m. The passenger was treated and released from the hospital.

Because of the crash, Palani Road was closed to traffic temporarily.

Officers from the Traffic Enforcement Unit have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. Police believe speed and alcohol were involved in the crash.

This is the 19th fatality this year compared with 13 at this time last year.