Lahaina Man Suffers Fatal Injuries in Kūihelani Motorcycle Crash

Maui Now graphic.

A motorcyclist suffered fatal injuries as the result of a deadly traffic accident on the Kūihelani Highway on Friday night.  Maui police have since identified the motorcyclist as Aaron Matthew Burnett, 36, of Lahaina.

The incident was reported at around 8:35 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2017.

According to police reports, a black 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle being operated by a 36-year-old man was traveling southbound on Kūihelani Highway within the inside lane when it rear-ended a black 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser traveling in the same direction.

Police say the motorcyclist lost control and fell off of his motorcycle.  The motorcyclist was then struck by a grey 2015 Mazda MX-3 and dragged a short distance.  The collision occurred near the intersection with Waikō Road.

Police say the motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.  The operator of the Toyota sustained minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene.  The operator of the Mazda was not injured.

A preliminary police investigation reveals Burnett was wearing a helmet at the time.  Police say speed appears to be a factor in the crash.  The involvement of drugs or alcohol is under investigation, according to police reports.

The Kūihelani Highway was closed between 9 p.m. on Friday, March 31, and 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, while police conducted an investigation.

This was Maui County’s third traffic fatality of 2017, compared to five at this time last year.