27-year-old Samiu Kealoha Kama Olevao of Waikoloa died in a single vehicle collision near the 5-mile marker on Waikoloa Road.

Police investigation revealed that a silver 1998 Lexus ES300 sedan traveling east had failed to negotiate a right turn, causing it to cross the double solid yellow lines. After crossing the center line, the vehicle went off the makai shoulder of the road, rolled several times, and landed on a rock embankment. The driver was ejected from the vehicle and was later transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A 4-year-old female and a 3-year-old female were inside the vehicle and transported to North Hawaiʻi Community Hospital for medical attention. They received treatment and were later discharged.

Police believe that speed and impairment are factors in the crash.  Olevao was not wearing his seatbelt.

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation and is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Dayson Taniguchi at 326-4646 ext. 229 or via email at dayson.taniguchi@hawaiicounty.gov.