Maui Man Fatally Injured in Honoapiilani Crash

***Note: We have removed one of the photos posted earlier of the crash site of the late Blaze Kalilikane out of respect for the family and friends that requested that it be taken down.  While it is not our policy to do so, we do understand the sensitivity that exists amid the loss of life and appreciate the sentiment that was shared by our readership.  We share our deepest condolences with the family and friends of those affected by this tragedy.

By Wendy Osher

(Update: 3:54 p.m. 12/19/12)

Maui police have identified the man fatally injured in a Wednesday morning traffic accident on the Honoapiilani Highway as 20-year-old Blaze Kalilikane of Lahaina.

Kalilikane was the lone occupant and operator of a red 1989 Mazda pickup truck that collided head-on into a white 2001 Toyota Tacoma pickup that was traveling in the opposite direction in Olowalu.

According to police reports, Kalilikane was traveling south on the highway and was attempting to overtake a vehicle in front of him, when the accident occurred.

As a result of the collision, Kalilikane suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene, according to police.

According to a preliminary investigation, police say it does not appear as though he was wearing a seat belt, and the vehicle was not equipped with airbags.

The driver, and lone occupant of the other vehicle, a 37-year-old man, suffered injuries to his right leg and was transported to the Maui Memorial Medical Center in stable condition. Police say the man did not appear to be utilizing his seat belt at the time of the crash, and both airbags within the pickup were deployed.

Police say the posted speed limit in the area of the crash is 45 miles per hour. The accident was reported at 6:19 a.m., in an area north of mile post 16 or Luawai Street.

Traffic in the affected area was temporarily rerouted and alternated during the investigation, onto a privately owned access road. The highway was completely reopened by 9:10 a.m.

Police say the involvement of speed, alcohol and drugs have not been determined as the investigation is still pending.

(Update: 9:16 a.m. 12/19/12)

The Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30) is now OPEN in both directions following a fatal accident in the area of Olowalu. The road was closed at 6:35 a.m. and reopened in both directions at 9:10 a.m. It may take some time before traffic resumes its normal flow. Details of the accident are posted below.

(Update: 7:34 a.m. 12/19/12)

One man is dead and another was transported to the hospital in serious condition following a head-on collision on the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30) this morning.

Medics from Lahaina and Napili were dispatched to the scene at 6:21 a.m. in the area of the Olowalu landfill between mile post 15 and 16.

Upon arrival, medics found two vehicles, each with a single occupant, that were involved in the crash.

A local male, estimated to be in his 20s was pronounced dead on scene and the operator of the other vehicle, a 37 year old local male, was transported in serious but stable condition with lower extremity injuries to an awaiting trauma team at Maui Memorial Medical Center, said Maui County Paramedics Association spokesperson Ryan Joslin.

As of 7:11 a.m., the main highway remained closed, but police were alternating traffic utilizing the nearby cane-haul road.

Motorists traveling to or from West Maui at this hour can expect a significant delay in their commute.

(Update: 7:11 a.m. 12/19/12)

Motorists traveling to or from West Maui can expect significant delays following a fatal motor vehicle accident on the Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30).

Police are now alternating traffic utilizing the cane haul road in the area of Olowalu between mile markers 15 and 16.

The accident was reported at around 6:30 a.m.; and police began alternating traffic utilizing the cane haul road around 7:10 a.m.

Motorists can expect significant delays as police conduct an investigation.

(Posted: 6:35 a.m. 12/19/12)

The Honoapiilani Highway (Hwy 30) is closed in the area of Olowalu between mile markers 15 and 16 because of a fatal traffic accident.

Authorities say an investigation is currently underway.

The closure went into effect at 6:35 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.  There was no estimated time on when the road would be reopened.

***Check back for further details, which will be posted as they become available.