Motorcyclist killed in July 4 crash in Honomu

A 58-year-old Pepeekeo man died after the motorcycle he was riding Monday struck three vehicles on Highway 19 in Honomu.

The victim has been identified as Malvin Reyes.

Officers responding to the 8:50 p.m. report of a head-on traffic collision in the area of the 13-14 mile markers of Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 19) determined that Reyes’ motorcycle was traveling Hilo bound when it crossed the centerline, sideswiped a sport-utility vehicle, then sideswiped a four-door sedan, before striking a third vehicle head-on.

All three vehicles were heading in a Waimea-bound direction.

Reyes, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 11:31 p.m.

None of the other drivers — a 74-year-old man, a 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman — were injured.

Police have initiated a negligent homicide investigation, and an autopsy is expected to determine the exact cause of death. It is undetermined if alcohol, drugs, or speed are contributing factors in the crash.

Reyes’ death is the 21st official fatal traffic collision of 2022 compared to 12 fatal traffic collisions during this same time period last year.

Anyone with information on this traffic collision is asked to contact Officer Blayne Matsui of the Hilo Traffic Enforcement Unit at 808-961-2339 or blayne.matsui@hawaiicounty.gov.