Police Investigating Fatal Traffic Collision in HPP

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a vehicle that occurred Monday afternoon, May 18, 2026, on 12^th Avenue between Paradise Drive and Kaloli Drive in the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision of Kea‘au.

Responding to a reported traffic collision at 4:30 p.m., police determined that a Suzuki enduro motorcycle was traveling northbound (Hilo-bound) on 12^th Avenue at a high rate of speed after overtaking another vehicle when it collided with a southbound (Pāhoa-bound)) 2024 Tesla multi-purpose vehicle that was making a left turn into a private driveway in the 15-1600 block of 12^th Avenue.

The operator of the motorcycle, identified as 58-year-old Max Mattos of Kurtistown, was unresponsive at the scene and transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 5:41 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The operator of the Tesla, a 47-year-old female from Kea‘au, was not injured.

At this time, police believe speed and reckless driving are factors in this collision. Mattos was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing this investigation.

If anyone has additional information regarding this collision, they may contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339, or via email at Johnathan.Rapoza@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 13th traffic fatality of 2026 on Hawai‘i Island roads compared to 13 at the same time last year. It also marks the eighth traffic fatality on our island in the past two weeks, and the fourth since last Friday. Police continue to remind motorists that many traffic fatalities are preventable and urge motorists to remain attentive, obey traffic laws, and operate their vehicles responsibly.