Police Investigate Critical Motorcycle Collision in Pāhoa

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a single-vehicle traffic collision that left one person in critical condition which occurred Saturday afternoon, September 5, 2026, in the area of the 14-mile marker on Highway 137 in Pahoa.

Responding to a 1:48 p.m. call, police determined that a 2004 Honda Shadow motorcycle was traveling south on Highway 137 when the operator lost control and veered off the roadway.  The 53-year-old male operator was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered critical injuries.  He was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where it was determined that he would be medevacked to Queen’s Medical Center on O’ahu for further treatment. 

At this time, police believe that speed, alcohol and/or drugs are factors in the crash.  The male operator was not wearing a helmet.  The male was arrested for the following offenses:

Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant

Driving a motor vehicle with no driver’s license

Reckless driving

No motor vehicle insurance policy

The male was released pending investigation because he was admitted to the hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation. 

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to please contact Officer Laurence Davis at (808) 961-2339, or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiipolice.gov.  Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.