A 59-year-old Ocean View man died Thursday following a motorcycle crash Thursday at the intersection of Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) and Leilani Street in Ka‘u.
Police have not released the identity of the victim, pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Officers responding to a 5:37 p.m. call learned that a southbound green 2022 Kawasaki KLX300 had overtaken several vehicles near the Manuka State Park entrance. Witnesses told police that after passing the vehicles, the motorcyclist crossed the double-solid yellow lines and struck a rock embankment on the mauka side of the highway.
The rider was ejected from the motorcycle. He was taken by ambulance to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:30 p.m.
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 18th traffic fatality this year compared to eight at this time last year.