Motorcyclist killed on H-1 identified as Honolulu firefighter

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One man is dead and another is in the hospital after an overnight crash on the H-1 Freeway West near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

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According to the Honolulu Police Department, the crash happened shortly after midnight Tuesday.

Police say they believe a 23-year-old motorcyclist was speeding on the freeway when he lost control and rear-ended a 47-year-old motorist.

The motorcyclist was ejected onto the roadway near Exit 16A for the airport.

Honolulu EMS took him to a nearby hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

On Wednesday, the Honolulu medical examiner identified the motorcyclist as John Mercer East, 23, who was a firefighter with the Honolulu Fire Department since January 2024.

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HFD’s Capt. Jacob Pekelo confirmed the loss of one of their own. Pekelo says East was stationed in town.

Police say East was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The 47-year-old driver also sustained injuries. EMS took him to a nearby hospital in serious condition.

Police say that speed appears to have been a contributing factor in the crash.

It is unknown if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash.

An investigation has been opened into the collision.

This was the 29th traffic fatality on Oahu this year, compared to 63 at the same time in 2025.

Memorial services for Honolulu firefighter East will be held on Oct. 18 at Mililani Memorial Park and Mortuary.

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