A 45-year-old Waikoloa man died following a two-vehicle collision Saturday in Holualoa, south of the 7-mile marker on Mamalahoa Highway.
The victim, a 45-year-old motorcyclist, has been identified as John Paul Simonsen.
Officers responding to an 8:31 a.m. call determined that a green 2014 Subaru station driven by a 77-year-old Holualoa woman attempted to make a left turn north onto Mamalahoa Highway from a private driveway when Simonsen, who was southbound on a red 2001 Honda motorcycle, lost control and grazed the vehicle after laying the bike down on the roadway.
Simonsen was taken by ambulance to Kona Community Hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead at 8:03 p.m.
The driver of the Subaru station wagon wasn’t injured and was later released pending further investigation.
Police believe speed was a possible factor in the crash. Simonsen was wearing a helmet.
A coroner’s inquest investigation has been opened and an autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Simonsen’s death is the 31st official traffic fatality this year compared to 32 at this time last year.
Anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to contact Officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646 ext. 229 or Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.