(Update) Driver Involved in Hilo Traffic Collision Dies

Hawai‘i Island police report that the man who was critically injured in a two-vehicle traffic collision on Friday evening Oct. 9, 2026, in Hilo has passed away. He has been identified as 77-year-old Joseph Gomes of Hilo.

Responding to an 8:37 p.m. call on Ponahawai Street between Komohana and Kapiolani Streets, police determined that a 2016 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck driven by Gomes was traveling west (mauka) on Ponahawai Street when his vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a 2013 Toyota Corolla four-door sedan that was traveling east (makai) on Ponahawai Street. Gomes was located unresponsive at the scene. 

He was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center and subsequently medevacked to Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced deceased on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 at 2:33 p.m.

The 59-year-old female operator of the Toyota sedan was also transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

At this time, police do not believe that speed, alcohol and/or drugs are factors in the crash.

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.

This is the 27^th traffic fatality of 2026 as compared to 17 traffic fatalities this same time last year.