(BIVN) – A portion of North Kulani Road was closed for hours Friday night, due to a reported “traffic casualty”.
The Hawaiʻi Police Department issued an alert at around 10:30 p.m., advising motorists avoid North Kulani Road between Stainback Highway and North Road for the next 4 hours.
“Drive with caution and use alternate routes,” the police alert stated.
UPDATE – (October 3) – Hawai‘i Island police confirmed the Friday evening crash on North Kulani Road was a single-vehicle traffic collision that left a man dead.
From a police news release:
At 10:07 p.m., police responded to a report of a traffic collision on North Kulani Road, just south of Stainback Highway. Investigators determined that a green 1998 Toyota pickup truck was traveling south on North Kulani Road when the operator lost control of the vehicle, causing it to go onto the right side shoulder where it struck a tree and overturned.
The male operator, who was the lone occupant of the vehicle, was found unresponsive at the scene. Fire and medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures but were unable to revive him. He was pronounced deceased at 10:32 p.m.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death. The man’s identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of his next of kin.
At this time, police believe speed, not wearing a seatbelt, alcohol, and/or drugs are believed to be factors in this collision.
Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to please contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiicounty.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
