Police Investigating Fatal Motorcycle Collision in Pāhoa

Hawai‘i Island police are investigating a fatal traffic collision between a motor vehicle and a motorcycle that occurred on Kahakai Boulevard in Pāhoa early Wednesday evening, June 3, 2026, that left a man dead. He has been identified as 30-year-old Korey Palmerton of Pāhoa.

Responding to a traffic collision call at 5:27 p.m., police determined that Palmerton 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 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.

The driver of the sedan, 36-year-old Kade Smith of Pāhoa, was not injured as a result of the collision. He was arrested for the following offenses:

• 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
• No motor vehicle insurance policy

He is currently being held in custody at the Hilo Police Station pending further investigation.

At this time, police believe speed, alcohol and/or drugs, and inattention are factors in this investigation. Palmerton was not using a helmet.

The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene where they interviewed several witnesses and are continuing this investigation.

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.

This is the 14th traffic fatality of 2026 compared to 13 traffic fatalities this same time last year.