A single-car crash Saturday afternoon in South Kona killed a 55-year-old Kealakekua man.
A single-car crash Saturday afternoon in South Kona killed a 55-year-old Kealakekua man.
Police identified the victim as Bryan T. Hanato.
Traffic investigators responded to a 1:34 p.m. call determined that Hanato was driving a 2000 Mitsubishi 2-door sedan north on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11) near the 105-mile marker in Honaunau when he lost control, ran off the right side of the road and overturned.
Police say Hanato, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the car. According to a written Fire Department statement, Hanato was dead at the scene.
Police do not know yet if alcohol or drugs were involved, but say that speed was a factor.
An autopsy has been ordered.
Hanato’s death is the 33rd official traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared to 16 at this time last year.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Officer Larry Flowers at 326-4646, ext. 229.
