(Update) Motorcyclist Injured in Pāhoa Crash Dies

Hawai‘i Island police report that the motorcyclist critically injured in a single-vehicle traffic collision on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 5, 2026, in Pāhoa has passed away. He has been identified as 53-year-old Joe McDonald of Pāhoa.

Responding to a 1:48 p.m. call on Sept. 5, in the area of the 14-mile marker on Highway 137 in Pāhoa, police determined that McDonald was operating a 2004 Honda Shadow motorcycle traveling south on Highway 137 when he lost control and veered off the roadway. 

McDonald was ejected from the motorcycle and suffered critical injuries. He was transported to the Hilo Benioff Medical Center before being medevacked to Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. McDonald was pronounced deceased on Sept. 26, at 4:30 a.m.

At this time, police believe that speed, alcohol, and/or drugs are factors in the crash. McDonald was not wearing a helmet.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit responded to the scene and is continuing the investigation, which has been classified as a coroner’s inquest.

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 25th traffic fatality of 2026 as compared to 17 traffic fatalities this same time last year.