Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a three-vehicle collision that killed a 15 year-old Ocean View male on Māmalahoa Highway in Pepe‘ekeō this past Monday.

Police determined that a 1996 Honda Civic was traveling south towards Hilo on Māmalahoa Highway near the 12 mile marker. As the Honda approached the double lanes it attempted to overtake another vehicle at which time it lost control and spun into the oncoming north-bound lane, colliding with a 2002 Chevrolet pickup truck that was traveling toward Hamakua. The third vehicle, a 2005 Toyota Solara, was traveling southbound behind the Honda and was struck by flying debris from the collision.

The operator of the Honda, 20-year-old Tyson Acacio, and the 15-year-old male, identified as Zion Hao-Kallio, who was riding in the rear of the car, were ejected as a result of the collision. A 16-year-old female riding in the front passenger seat was not ejected.

Both Acacio and the female front passenger were conscious and transported to Hilo Medical Center. Acacio sustained serious internal injuries and underwent surgery, the 16-year-old female sustained minor injuries and is set to be released pending treatment.  Hao-Kallio was located unresponsive at the scene and transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.  An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The 40 year-old female driver of the 2002 Chevrolet pickup truck sustained a broken right heel and additional minor injuries, while the 58 year-old female operator of the 2005 Toyota Solara was not injured.

At this time, police believe that speed is the primary factor in this collision. An investigation will continue into any additional contributing factors.

The East Hawaiʻi Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. HPD is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email Jerome.Duarte@HawaiiCounty.gov.