Police Investigating Fatal Traffic Collision in Puna

A woman died in a two-vehicle traffic collision early Monday afternoon, July 20, in the area of the 22 mile marker, on Highway 11 in Volcano.

Puna Patrol officers responded to reports of a traffic collision just before 2:30 p.m. and determined that a tan 2007 Honda CR-V was traveling northbound toward Hilo on Highway 11 when it crossed the centerline and collided head-on with a Volcano bound silver 2017 Dodge Ram operated by a 60-year-old Volcano man.

The female operator of the Honda CR-V was located unresponsive at the scene and subsequently pronounced deceased at 2:50 p.m.  Her identity is being withheld pending positive identification and notification of her next of kin. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact causes of her death.

The operator of the Dodge Ram did not sustain any apparent injuries from the collision.

At this time, police do not believe speed, alcohol, or drugs to be contributing factors in this investigation.

If anyone has information regarding this collision they may contact Officer Joshua Rodby-Tomas at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Joshua.Rodbytomas@hawaiipolice.gov. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

This is the 19th traffic fatality of 2026 compared to 14 this same time last year.