Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a recent Keaʻau two vehicle traffic collision.

On August 31, responding officers learned that a 1995 Honda sedan rear-ended a 2011 Kia SUV while both were traveling Pahoa bound on Kea‘au-Pahoa Road. As a result of the collision, the Honda overturned landing on its roof.

The operator of the 2011 Kia SUV, a 63-year old female from Kea‘au, was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center with substantial bodily injuries.

The operator of the 1995 Honda sedan, a 29-year old male from Kea‘au, was also transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center where his condition worsened and he was flown to the Queens Medical Center.

Police currently believe speed and impairment are factors in the collision.

The East Hawai‘i Traffic Enforcement Unit will be continuing this Negligent Injury investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this collision should Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339, or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov.