A 30-year-old Waikoloa man died following a one-car crash Sunday evening in Ka‘u. The collision took place on Highway 11 fronting the entrance to the Manuka State Recreational Park near the 81.2 mile marker.
Officers responding to an 8:08 p.m. call determined that a black 2008 Mercedes Benz 280 convertible was heading north on Highway 11 at a very high rate of speed when it lost control and drove off of the roadway mauka, striking the rock wall sign fronting he park.
The driver, who wasn’t wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital and pronounced dead at 1:18 a.m. Monday.
A 25-year-old Kailua-Kona man who was a passenger in the vehicle was also taken to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment. He’s currently listed in stable condition.
Police believe that speed and impairment are factors in the crash.
The decedent has not been positively identified. A coroner’s inquest has been opened and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Potential witnesses are asked to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, ext. 229, or adam.roberg@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at(808) 961-8300.
This is the 11th official traffic fatality this year compared to 25 at this time last year.