UPDATE: Makawao Man Dies in Haleakalā Highway Motorcycle Crash

UPDATE: 12:03 p.m. 3/30/16

A Makawao man suffered fatal injuries in a motorcycle crash on the Haleakalā Highway on Wednesday morning, March 30, 2016.  The incident was reported at 5:26 a.m. at the intersection of Haleakalā Highway and Old Haleakalā Highway in Pukalani. Maui police say the collision occurred as a gray 2004 Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle, traveling east on Haleakalā Highway, collided into a silver Lexus RX300 SUV making a left turn onto Haleakalā Highway from Old Haleakalā Highway.

According to police reports, the male operator of the motorcycle was ejected as a result of the collision and sustained fatal injuries.  Police say he was pronounced dead at the scene.  The operator of the motorcycle has since been identified as Javin Anthony Leal, 26, of Makawao.

Police say the operator of the SUV, a 69-year-old man from Pukalani, was wearing his seatbelt and sustained minor injuries.  He was treated and released at the scene.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Leal was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

Police say speed was a factor in the collision.

The involvement of drugs and alcohol are still pending as the investigation is ongoing.

This was the fifth traffic fatality on Maui County roads in 2016, compared to two at this time last year.

UPDATE:8:36 a.m. 3/30/16

The Haleakalā Highway is now OPEN. Expect delays as traffic resumes its normal flow. Please check back for a full accident synopsis, which will be posted upon completion of the traffic investigation.  Maui Police Lt. William Juan confirmed that the accident resulted in a death, however details are forthcoming at this time.

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UPDATE: 7:58 a.m. 3/30/16 (Original Post 5:51 a.m. 3/30/16)

The Haleakalā Highway remains closed in both directions following a fatal traffic accident reported at around 5:51 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2016.  Maui Police Lt. William Juan confirmed that the accident resulted in a death, however details are forthcoming at this time.  The following lanes are closed due to a motor vehicle accident:

Mauka bound lanes of Haleakalā Hwy. at Hāliʻimaile Rd.
Makai bound lanes of Haleakalā Hwy. at Makani Rd.
Old Haleakala Hwy. at Aeloa Rd.

We have reports that traffic is backed up on alternate routes through Omaopio, Baldwin, Makani Road and through Makawao Town.  Please continue to drive with caution and exercise patience as Maui police continue their investigation at the crash site.

Haleakalā Highway. Traffic accident/Road closure, 3.30.16. Photo by Tara Dugan.

Haleakalā Highway. Traffic accident/Road closure, 3.30.16. Photo by Tara Dugan.

Haleakalā Highway looking makai. Police are seen diverting traffic onto Makani Road in the distance. Traffic accident/Road closure, 3.30.16. Photo by Debra Lordan.

Haleakalā Highway looking mauka, just past Makani Road. Traffic accident/Road closure, 3.30.16. Photo by Debra Lordan.

Heavy traffic is reported on alternate routes as well following the closure of Haleakalā Highway earlier this morning. Photo 3.30.16 by Tara Dugan.

Haleakalā Highway. Traffic accident/Road closure, 3.30.16. Photo by Tara Dugan.

Haleakalā Highway. Traffic accident/Road closure, 3.30.16. Photo by Tara Dugan.