KEAAU, Hawaii – A 66-year-old Puna man died Friday (September 27) in a vehicle-bicycle crash.
Ag 11:56 a.m., a 2004 Dodge pickup truck was traveling south at a high rate of speed on Highway 11 near the 8-mile marker in Keaʻau when it lost control, crossed the grassy median and struck a bicycle traveling north on the shoulder of the road.
The bicyclist died at the scene. He was identified as 66-year-old Cenon Tranquilino A. Visaya of Keaʻau. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Fire/rescue personnel took the driver of the pickup, 27-year-old Siaiku L. Aholelei of Mountain View, to Hilo Medical Center, where he was treated for minor injuries and released. He was arrested on suspicion of first-degree negligent homicide and is being held at the Hilo police cellblock pending further investigation.
Police ask that anyone who witnessed the crash call Officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119.
This is the 22nd fatality this year compared with 30 at this time last year.
