Pahoa man arrested for negligent homicide after deadly crash

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – A motorcycle driver was killed in a collision in Pahoa Wednesday evening.

Read more Vassilis Syrmos approved as next chancellor of UH Manoa

Hawaii Island police identified the victim as Korey Palmerton, 30, of Pahoa, as the man killed in the crash on Kahakai Boulevard.

Emergency crews responded to the scene shortly before 5:30 p.m., where they found Palmerton unresponsive.

He was taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m.

According to initial police reports, Palmerton was traveling west on Kahakai Boulevard, near Niuhi Street, when a Toyota Camry traveling east allegedly attempted to make a left turn onto Niuhi Street.

Police say the motorcycle then struck the sedan.

The 36-year-old sedan driver was not injured.

He was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, First-degree negligent homicide, and for not having car insurance.

Read more Hawaii Supreme Court hears arguments on DUI field sobriety test refusals

He also faces a charge of operating a motor vehicle after license suspended or revoked for operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, meaning this is likely not his first alleged infraction.

He is in custody at the Hilo Police Station, pending further investigation.

Police say they do believe speed, alcohol and/or drugs, as well as inattention, were factors in the cause of the crash.

Palmerton was not wearing a helmet at the time, according to police.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine his exact cause of death.

Officers interviewed several witnesses at the scene and are continuing to learn more.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at [email protected] .

Tipsters may also call the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

This is the 14th traffic fatality of 2026, compared to 13 at the same time last year.

Read more FBI warns AI is making scams harder to spot — and Hawaii is paying the price