HILO, Hawaii (Island News) — Two men died in a two-car collision on Daniel K. Inouye Highway near mile marker 26 on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11 a.m.
According to authorities, a 2011 Toyota Corolla traveling east attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided head-on with a westbound 2016 Hyundai Tucson. The impact led to immediate emergency response from Hawaii Police South Hilo Patrol, the Hawaii Fire Department, and Pohakuloa Fire and Emergency Services.
Medical personnel initiated life-saving measures on the 34-year-old driver of the Hyundai, a Virginia resident, who was pronounced dead at 11:38 a.m. His identity will be released once family notifications are complete.
The driver of the Toyota, identified as 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. Autopsy results will determine the exact causes of death.
Investigators believe speed and reckless driving contributed to the crash. Authorities temporarily closed the roadway during the response but later reopened it.
The department's Area I Traffic Enforcement Unit is actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Officer Laurence Davis at 808-961-2339 or via email. Anonymous tips can be made using the non-emergency line at 808-935-3311.
This incident marks the 6th and 7th traffic fatalities on the Big Island in 2026, compared to 12 fatalities at this time last year.