19-year-old motorcyclist Justice Jayden Kawelu Kaawa of Kailua-Kona died yesterday following a three-vehicle collision near the intersection of Old Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 180) and Mamalahoa Highway (Highway 11) in South Kona. This marks the third Hawaiʻi Island traffic fatality in three days.
Police determined that a gray 2019 Toyota 4Runner SUV operated by a 64-year-old Kealakekua woman, was making a left turn onto Highway 11 when it was struck by a southbound black 2001 Honda VT1100 motorcycle operated by Kaawa. After striking the Toyota SUV, the motorcycle then struck a silver 2016 Kia Sedona van operated by a 38-year-old Captain Cook woman.
The driver of the Toyota SUV and the Kia van were not injured in the collision. A 17-year-old male passenger on the motorcycle was transported to Kona Community Hospital and is listed in stable condition. Kaawa was also transported to Kona Community Hospital where he was later pronounced He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death and the Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation.
Police are asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jason Foxworthy at (808) 326-4646 ext. 229 or via email at Jason.foxworthy@hawaiicounty.gov.
