Pahoa man critically hurt in Kona crash
A 19-year-old Pahoa man sustained critical injuries in a two-vehicle collision in North Kona on Sunday.
According to police, the crash occurred on Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Highway 19) at the intersection of Kiholo Bay, near the 82.5-mile marker.
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Police aren’t releasing the identity of the man pending notification of his next of kin.
Officers responded to a report of a serious collision at about 12:57 p.m. An initial investigation determined that a blue 2005 Dodge Dakota pickup, driven by the Pahoa man, was making a left turn onto Queen Kaahumanu Highway when it was broadsided by a southbound gray 2006 Ford F-250 pickup. The Ford was driven by a 21-year-old Waimea man.
The 19-year-old Dodge driver was initially taken to Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital in Waimea for treatment. He was later transferred to The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu for advanced care, where he remains in critical condition.
The 21-year-old Ford driver and his 19-year-old woman passenger were uninjured. An 18-year-old woman passenger in the Dodge was also taken to Queen’s North Hawai’i Community Hospital, where she was evaluated and released.
The West Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has launched an investigation and requests assistance from anyone who witnessed the crash. Witnesses are urged 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.
