HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT UNIT
SAMUEL V. JELSMA
PHONE: 961-2332
DECEMBER 23, 1999
G-15139
MEDIA RELEASE
A 36-year old Kona man died Thursday afternoon (December 23, 1999) following a one-vehicle motorcycle accident that occurred on Waikoloa Road near the 5-mile marker.
The victim is identified as a David Curtis Barlett of Kailua-Kona address
Responding to a 4:03 p.m. accident call, police officers determined that the victim was riding his 1982 Honda motorcycle heading up Waikoloa Road near Waikoloa Village when he ran off the left shoulder and climbed the center median of the roadway, be then slid sideways on the roadway and struck the right shoulder sidewalk area of the roadway.
The victim was transported to the North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea, where he was pronounced dead at 4:35 p.m. from injuries sustained in the accident. The victim had not been wearing a helmet, receiving head injuries, and alcohol is believed to be involved.
Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and are continuing the investigation. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Barlett’s death was the 31st traffic fatality so far this year, compared to 44 at the same time last year.
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