Police Charge Driver Involved in Pāhoa Fatal Motorcycle Crash

Hawai‘i Island police have charged the driver of the sedan involved in a fatal traffic collision in Pāhoa early Wednesday evening, June 3, 2026, that left a man dead.

Responding to a traffic collision call at 5:27 p.m., police determined that 30-year-old Korey Palmerton of Pāhoa was operating a Honda CBR600F motorcycle traveling west (mauka) on Kahakai Boulevard near the intersection of Niuhi Street when a 2006 Toyota Camry sedan traveling east (makai) on Kahakai Boulevard attempted to make a left turn onto Niuhi Street. The motorcycle subsequently struck the sedan. Palmerton was not using a helmet.

Palmerton was unresponsive at the scene and transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at 6:18 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death and is still pending at this time.

The driver of the sedan, 36-year-old Kade Smith of Pāhoa, was not injured as a result of the collision. He was initially arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant,

first-degree negligent homicide, operating a motor vehicle after license suspended or revoked for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, and no motor vehicle insurance policy.

After conferring with the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit charged Smith with the following offenses:

• First-degree negligent homicide
• Manslaughter
• Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant
• Operating a motor vehicle after license suspended or revoked for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant
• No motor vehicle insurance policy

Smith’s bail was set at $553,050. He is currently being held at the Hilo Police Station pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Monday, June 8.

Police ask anyone with information regarding this collision to please contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters may also call the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.