Motorcycle crash marks Hawaii Island’s 21st traffic fatality of 2026, man identified

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – A motorcyclist critically injured in a crash on Highway 11 near Keaau last week has died.

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Hawaii Island police identified the man as 64-year-old Clifford Gouveia of Hilo. He was pronounced dead Monday afternoon at The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu.

The crash happened around 7:26 p.m. Thursday, July 30, between the Macadamia Nut Road and Kipimana Street intersections.

Investigators said Gouveia was traveling south toward Keaau when his motorcycle rear-ended a Honda CR-V. Police noted Gouveia was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

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He was initially taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center before being airlifted to Oahu, where he later died from his injuries.

The 38-year-old driver of the CR-V and a passenger were not injured.

Police believe speed and inattention were contributing factors. This is Hawaii Island’s 21st traffic fatality of 2026, compared with 14 at the same time last year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339.

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