Pahoa Man Charged in Fatal Motorcycle Crash
A 36-year-old Pahoa man was charged with multiple crimes following a fatal motorcycle collision on Kahakai Boulevard Wednesday evening.
According to the Hawaii Police Department, Kade Smith faces charges of first-degree negligent homicide, manslaughter, and driving under the influence of an intoxicant. He is also charged with operating a vehicle with a suspended license and without insurance. Smith’s bail is set at $553,050, and he is held at the Hilo Police Station pending an initial court appearance on Monday.
The crash occurred just before 5:30 p.m. when 30-year-old Korey Palmerton, also of Pahoa, was riding a Honda CBR600F motorcycle westbound and collided with Smith’s eastbound 2006 Toyota Camry. The Camry was reportedly attempting to make a left turn onto Niuhi Street.
Emergency responders reported that Palmerton, who was not wearing a helmet, was unresponsive at the scene. He was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m. Smith sustained no injuries in the incident.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.