Big Island Suffers Two Weekend Traffic Fatalities

By Wendy Osher

A 41-year-old Hilo man died Sunday, July 24, 2011 of injuries suffered in a two-car crash on the Big Island.  The accident was reported at 9:41 p.m. on Hawai’i Belt Road (Route 19), about a half-mile north of the 11-mile marker in Pepe’ekeo.

The man who died was operating a 1996 Infinity four-door sedan, and was traveling north when he crossed the center-line and collided with a 2005 Honda multi-purpose vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.

Authorities say the man who died was not wearing a seat belt.  Hawai’i Police say alcohol was a factor in the crash, and have initiated a negligent homicide investigation.  They have not yet determined if speed also played a factor.

The occupants of the Honda were all being treated for minor injuries at the Hilo Medical Center.

The accident was the fourteenth traffic fatality on the Big Island this year.

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On another note, a 22-year-old Kurtistown man died Sunday, July 24, 2011 from injuries he sustained in a two-car crash in Kea’au.

Big Island police have since identified the man as Ikeole Filoteo.

The accident was reported at 3:34 a.m. on Route 130 near the 4-mile marker.  According to police reports, Filoteo was operating a 1999 Mazda four-door sedan and traveling south on Route 130 when he crossed the centerline and collided with a 2008 Toyota two-door sedan traveling in the opposite direction.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated an investigation and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

*** Supporting information courtesy Hawai’i Police.