Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a motorcyclist and a Kia sedan that occurred in the area of Saddle Road and Kaumana Drive in Hilo.

On Monday, October 18, police determined that a 2014 Honda Grom motorcycle was traveling downhill on Kaumana Drive approaching the Saddle Road intersection on a wet roadway. The motorcyclist crossed Kaumana Drive from the east bound lane into the west bound gravel shoulder causing the motorcycle to lose control and fall, coming to rest in the intersection on Saddle Road.

A woman driving a 2020 Kia sedan traveling west on Saddle Road swerved to the left to avoid the motorcycle, which was located in its lane, and subsequently struck the motorcyclist who was laying in the middle of the roadway. At the time of the collision the roads were wet, the area was dark, and it was raining.

The male operator of the motorcycle was located unresponsive in the middle of the roadway. He was transported to Hilo Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Police investigating the traffic collision have determined that speed and wet road conditions are factors in this investigation. The operator of the motorcycle did not have a helmet on at the time of the collision and was wearing a black hoodie. Police have not determined if alcohol and/or drugs are factors at this time.

The name of the motorcyclist is being withheld pending positive identification and the notification of next of kin.

The female driver of the Kia sedan did not receive any injuries as a result of the traffic collision.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation which is pending. Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has information to contact Officer Blayne Matsui at 961-2339 or via email Blayne.Matsui@HawaiiCounty.gov.