Darwin E. Barve, killed Saturday after being hit by a semi-truck while riding a bicycle, was Mayor Billy Kenoi’s half-brother, the Mayor’s Office confirmed.
Darwin E. Barve, killed Saturday after being hit by a semi-truck while riding a bicycle, was Mayor Billy Kenoi’s half-brother, the Mayor’s Office confirmed.
Barve, 58, of Hilo, was riding a bicycle along Highway 19 near mile-marker 3 that morning when he hit the sidewalk of a bridge and fell onto the roadway, according to police. He was then hit by a semi-truck travelling north.
He was pronounced dead at Hilo Medical Center at 10:48 p.m.
Police said it was unknown if the driver was speeding or under the influence of alcohol or drugs but officers detected an odor of alcohol on the bicyclist.
A spokesman for the Mayor’s Office said Barve and Kenoi share the same mother but have different fathers. He said the mayor still considered him a full member of the family.
Kenoi, who is attending a mayor’s conference in Washington, D.C., did not issue a statement as of press time.