A 52-year-old Kailua-Kona man died following a two-vehicle collision east of the intersection of Kaiminani Drive and Laui Street early today in Kailua-Kona.
A 52-year-old Kailua-Kona man died following a two-vehicle collision east of the intersection of Kaiminani Drive and Laui Street early today in Kailua-Kona.
He has been positively identified as Robert N. Weinstock.
Responding to a 12:41 a.m. call, police determined that a green 2007 Ford pickup truck was westbound on Kaiminani Drive before the Laui Street intersection when it crossed the centerline and crashed head-on into a 2003 Nissan sport-utility vehicle driven by Weinstock.
Both drivers were taken to Kona Community Hospital, where Weinstock was officially pronounced dead at 1:29 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver of the Ford pickup, 26-year-old Justin Rohan of Kailua-Kona, was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant. He was released pending further investigation while being treated for his injuries at Kona Community Hospital.
Kaiminani Drive, which had been closed to traffic for several hours, was reopened shortly after noon.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation and is asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call Officer Justin Hooser or Sgt. Bradley Freitas at 326-4646, ext. 229. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
This is the 14th official traffic fatality this year compared to eight at this time last year.