UPDATE Dec. 17, 1:14 p.m.: Police identify the motorcyclist killed as 40-year-old Gilbert Motta of Kailua-Kona.
UPDATE Dec. 17, 1:14 p.m.: Police identify the motorcyclist killed as 40-year-old Gilbert Motta of Kailua-Kona.
A 40-year-old Kailua-Kona man died after a two-vehicle collision Friday in Kailua-Kona at the intersection of Henry Street and Malulani Road.
Police have not yet released the name of the victim, a motorcycle rider.
Officers responding to a 6:09 p.m. call determined that a light green 2003 Subaru station wagon driven by a 57-year-old Kailua-Kona woman was making a left turn onto Malulani Road from the left-turn lane on Henry Street when broadsided by an eastbound (mauka) black 2009 Yamaha motorcycle on Henry Street.
The motorcyclist was taken by ambulance to Kona Community Hospital and pronounced dead at 8:45 p.m.
The driver of the Subaru station wagon wasn’t injured and was released pending further investigation.
Police believe speed and alcohol are possible factors in the crash. The motorcycle rider wasn’t wearing a helmet.
A coroner’s inquest investigation has been opened and an autopsy ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The man’s death is the 30th official traffic fatality this year compared to 32 at this time last year.
Anyone who may have witnessed the accident to contact Officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646, ext. 229, or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.
