Fatal crash closes Highway 19 north of Honokaa

A head-on collision near the 46-mile marker on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 19) north of Honokaa has claimed one life and left another person seriously injured, according to the Hawaii Fire Department.

Both vehicles, a Dodge pickup truck and Honda Civic sedan, sustained heavy damage in the collision, according to a written HFD statement.

The scene was turned over to police for investigation and Highway 19 remains closed this morning between the 46- and 47-mile markers.

Police are advising motorists to use an alternate route through Ahualoa on the Old Mamalahoa Highway from Honokaa town to Lakeland.

The advisory is for passenger vehicles only. Large trucks cannot navigate the tight turns and narrow roads.

The closure will be in effect for at least a few more hours, police said.