A 22-year-old Kailua-Kona man died following a single-car crash early this morning on Puu Honua Road at the 4-mile marker in Napoopoo.
The man has been positively identified as Isaac Gideon.
Officers responding to a 2:04 a.m. call determined that a white 1996 Honda Accord heading south ran off of the roadwaydt. The vehicle then struck several large rocks and the driver was ejected. Gideon was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced dead at 8:53 a.m.
Gideon wasn’t wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. Police believe that speed and impairment are possible factors in the crash.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Gideon’s death is the 19th traffic fatality this year compared to 13 at this time last year.
The Kona Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at 326-4646 ext. 229 or Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300.