MEDIA RELEASE

A 19-year-old Hilo man died Friday (March 20) from injuries he sustained in a motorcycle crash on Kipimana Street, .4 miles west of Highway 11 in Kea‘au.

The victim was identified as Simon E. Cesar of a Hilo address.

Responding to a 5:52 p.m. call, Puna patrol officers determined that the victim was operating a 2006 Suzuki motorcycle and traveling west on Kipimana Drive when he lost control, crossed the centerline and struck a utility pole. 

Witnesses reported seeing the motorcycle going up and down Kipimana Street and the operator doing “wheelies.”

The victim was not wearing a helmet.

The victim was taken to Hilo Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:49 p.m.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol was involved but speed was definitely a factor in this crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner’s inquest case and have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Michael Molnar at 961-2293.

This is the fifth traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with nine at this time last year.