A 26-year-old Waimea man was severely injured after running off the roadway early Tuesday morning on Kawaihae Road, just makai of the 66-mile marker in South Kohala.
Officers responding to a 4:03 a.m. call determined that a mauka-bound white 2010 Toyota 4Runner SUV failed to negotiate a left-hand turn and ran off the roadway.
The SUV then struck a rock embankment and rolled over several times, ejecting the driver. The man was taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
Police said the driver wasn’t wearing a seat belt and believe speed to be a factor in the crash.
Witnesses to the crash are being asked to contact Officer Len Hamakado at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or len.hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer to anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.