Police Investigating Fatal Traffic Collision on DKI Highway

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision involving two motor vehicles that occurred Thursday morning, June 4, 2026, on Daniel K. Inouye (DKI) Highway near the 18-mile marker in Hilo.

Responding to a reported traffic collision at 8:34 a.m., police determined that a 2003 Toyota 4-Runner multi-purpose vehicle was traveling west (Kona bound) on DKI Highway when the driver lost control while negotiating a curve. The Toyota hydroplaned into the east (Hilo bound) lane and was subsequently broadsided by a 2024 Ford F450 commercial truck. The collision caused major damage to both vehicles, and the Toyota subsequently caught on fire as a result of the collision.

The driver of the Toyota was trapped within the vehicle and unresponsive when responding personnel arrived. Fire personnel extinguished the fire and the driver was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center and pronounced deceased at 11:30 a.m.

The driver of the Ford, a 53-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center and treated for minor injuries.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of next of kin.

At this time, police do not believe speed or intoxication are factors; however, weather may have played a factor in the collision.

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

Police ask anyone who has additional information regarding this collision, to please contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339, or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiipolice.gov.  Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 15th traffic fatality of 2026 on Hawai‘i Island and the second within the past 24 hours, compared to 13 traffic fatalities this same time last year.