HILO, Hawaii (Island News) — Two men were killed in a two-car collision on Daniel K. Inouye Highway near mile marker 26 at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
According to Hawaii Police, the crash involved a 2011 Toyota Corolla traveling east and a 2016 Hyundai Tucson heading west. The Corolla was attempting to overtake another vehicle when it collided head-on with the Tucson.
Emergency responders from the Hawaii Fire Department and Pohakuloa Fire and Emergency Services performed life-saving measures on the driver of the Tucson, a 34-year-old man from Virginia. He was pronounced dead at 11:38 a.m. His identity is pending family notification.
The driver of the Corolla, 70-year-old Todd Matsushita of Hilo, was found unconscious at the scene and later pronounced dead at Hilo Benioff Medical Center at 12:28 p.m. The causes of death will be confirmed through autopsy.
Authorities believe speed and reckless driving contributed to the crash. The highway was temporarily closed as first responders accessed the scene but has since reopened.
The Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit is conducting an investigation. Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact Officer Laurence Davis at 808-961-2339 or via email at Laurence.Davis@hawaiipolice.gov. Anonymous tips can be left at 808-935-3311.
This incident marks the 6th and 7th traffic fatalities on the Big Island for 2026, compared to 12 fatalities at this time last year.