Kona man dead after Thursday crash in Hawaiian Beaches

A Kona man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Hawaiian Beaches yesterday.

According to a police report, Ashton Martines, 31, was driving east on Kahakai Boulevard at about 3:30 p.m. when his vehicle crossed to the opposite lane, struck a mailbox and a chain-link fence before stopping.

Martines was unresponsive at the scene and was transported to the Hilo Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

A 30-year-old male passenger in the vehicle’s front seat was uninjured.

Police officers are investigating contributing factors in the crash. The roadway was wet at the time of the crash after sporadic rainfall throughout the day.

This is the 14th fatal traffic incident on the Big Island this year. Last year, there were only eight fatal incidents during the same period.

Any witnesses of the incident are asked to contact Officer Blayne Matsui at (808) 961-2339 or via email Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.