Media release from Hawaii County Police Department

HONAUNAU, Hawaii: A 55-year-old Kealakekua man died Saturday (October 20) from injuries he received in a one-vehicle crash on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 11) in the area of the 105-mile marker in Hōnaunau, South Kona.

The driver was identified as Bryan T. Hanato, of a Kealakekua address.

Responding to a 1:34 p.m. call, traffic investigators determined that Hanato was operating a 2000 Mitsubishi two-door sedan and traveling north on Route 11 when he lost control, ran off the right side of the road and overturned.

The driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle.

The driver was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:17 p.m.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were involved but speed was a factor.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call Officer Larry Flowers at 326-4646, extension 229.

This is the 33rd traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 16 at this time last year.