PAHOA, Hawaii (Island News) – A fatal motorcycle crash occurred in Pahoa on Wednesday evening, resulting in the death of a 30-year-old local man.
Authorities reported the incident at 5:27 p.m. on Kahakai Blvd., near the intersection with Niuhi St. According to police, the motorcyclist, identified as Korey Palmerton, was traveling west when he was struck by an eastbound vehicle making a left turn.
Palmerton was unresponsive at the scene and was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The 36-year-old driver of the other vehicle, a Pahoa resident, was uninjured but arrested on multiple charges, including:
- Operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant
- First-degree negligent homicide
- Operating a motor vehicle after license suspension for DUI
- Lacking a motor vehicle insurance policy
The suspect is being held at Hilo Police Station pending further investigation. Police noted that speed, alcohol and/or drugs, and inattention contributed to the crash. It's confirmed that Palmerton was not wearing a helmet at the time.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at 808-961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiipolice.gov.
This incident marks Hawaii's 14th traffic fatality of the year, compared to 13 at the same time in 2022.
Check back with Island News for future updates.