KOHALA, Hawaii Island (Local News Wire) – A man has been charged in a fatal crash that closed the Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Saturday, near the 46-mile marker.
According to the Hawaii Police Department, Jeremy Alexander Fleming, 39, of Hilo, faces charges of manslaughter, second-degree negligent homicide, and first-degree negligent injury.
The crash occurred at approximately 3 p.m. when Fleming, driving a 2023 blue Tesla, allegedly attempted to pass multiple westbound vehicles, entering the eastbound lane and colliding with two motorcycles.
First responders arrived shortly after 3:25 p.m., finding poor visibility due to rain and fog. The highway was closed between Old Saddle Road and Highway 190 for about six hours.
One motorcyclist, identified as 34-year-old William Joseph Simao of Hilo, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene just before 4 p.m. The second motorcyclist suffered serious injuries and was transported to North Hawaii Community Hospital, then medevaced to The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu for further treatment.
Fleming was also taken to North Hawaii Community Hospital and was arrested shortly before 8 p.m. after his release. A Dodge Ram truck, which was ahead of Fleming’s vehicle, was damaged by debris, but its occupants were unharmed.
The investigation is ongoing, with all vehicles involved secured as evidence. Fleming remains in custody at the Kealakehe Police Station on $400,000 bail.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the incident to contact Officer Adam Roberg at (808) 326-4646, extension 3229, or via email.
This incident marks the 24th traffic fatality on Hawai‘i Island this year, compared to 16 fatalities during the same time frame last year.
Police remind motorists of the dangers of passing in adverse weather and to always exercise caution under such conditions.