MOUNTAIN VIEW — A 34-year-old man died following a solo motorcycle crash Monday night at Puhala and Hibiscus streets.
Hapaki Teixeira of Honokaa was riding a 2007 Suzuki Boulevard motorcycle northbound at approximately 9:48 p.m. when he lost control and struck a tree. Teixeira was ejected from the motorcycle and was not wearing a helmet.
Emergency responders transported him to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:08 p.m.
Authorities said speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
Police are actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at 808-961-2339 or via email. Anonymous tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300.
This incident marks the 15th traffic fatality in Hawaii County this year, a decrease from 21 fatalities at the same time last year.