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A 30-year-old Pahoa man died early this morning following a single-vehicle collision on Daniel K. Inouye Highway in Hilo that occurred late Thursday evening.

Officers responding to the 11:10 p.m. traffic collision determined that a 2003 Toyota sedan traveling Hilo bound on DKI Highway tried to overtake a vehicle at a high rate of speed between the 18- and 19-mile markers. The driver lost control on the wet roadway while attempting to negotiate a curve, crossed into the Kona-bound shoulder, and rolled over several times.

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The driver was ejected from the vehicle and found unresponsive at the scene. He was taken to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 2:41 a.m. today.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The driver was not wearing his seatbelt.

His identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of his next of kin.

His passenger, a 26-year-old man from Keaau, was taken to Hilo Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries and is listed in stable condition.

Police believe speed was a factor in the crash.

A coroner’s inquest has been initiated. Police ask that potential witnesses contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the fourth traffic fatality of 2024 compared to two at this time last year.