This morning Residents on the West Side of the Big Island were at stand still due to an accident (three people died) on the Queen K that closed the highway from 6:30am – around noon. Hualalites (how’s that for a name?) couldn’t get into Kona and many staff members couldn’t get to work. People were rerouted from Hina Lani to the upper road Momalahoa Highway and then down back to the Queen K. Guests of the Four Seasons who had to get to the airport were airlifted by helicopters that landed on the golf course to whisk them away to the airport.
Helicopter on the Hualalai golf course shuttling guests to the airport.
KAILUA-KONA — Three people are dead following a two-car crash on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, north of Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport.
The crash occurred at 6:26 a.m. at mile marker 92 when a Toyota 4Runner occupied by two men traveling north collided with a Nissan Titan, occupied by a man and woman traveling south, according to Hawaii police.
Both vehicles subsequently burst into flames.
Police say the driver of the 4Runner was passing several vehicles on the highway.
“As he completed his pass the operator lost control of his vehicle, which caused it to veer into the oncoming lane where it was then involved in a broadside collision with a 2008 Nissan Titan operated by a 37-year-old Kamuela man,” police say.
All individuals were transported to Kona Community Hospital. The three men died at the hospital and the woman from the truck is in critical condition.
The Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a negligent homicide investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Officer Kimo Keliipaakaua at 326-4646 ext. 229.
These deaths put the traffic fatalities up to 15 compared to 10 this time last year.
By Tiffany DeMasters West Hawaii Today
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