Pahoa Traffic Fatality Leads to Charges Against Driver
Pahoa, HI — A 36-year-old man has been charged with manslaughter following a fatal motorcycle crash on Kahakai Boulevard on Wednesday.
Kade Smith faces charges of first-degree negligent homicide, DUI, and driving with a suspended license for DUI, as well as without insurance. Authorities say Smith was driving a 2006 Toyota Camry makai-bound when he attempted to turn left onto Niuhi Street, colliding with a mauka-bound Honda CBR600F motorcycle ridden by 30-year-old Korey Palmerton.
Palmerton was not wearing a helmet and was unresponsive at the scene. He was later pronounced dead at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.
Manslaughter, classified as a Class A felony, carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, while first-degree negligent homicide is a Class B felony with a maximum sentence of 10 years. Smith’s bail is set at $553,060 and he is currently held at the Hilo Police Station. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday.
The road was temporarily closed during the investigation, but details about lane closures were not specified. Authorities encourage anyone with information about the collision to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or via email at Jerome.Duarte@hawaiipolice.gov. Alternatively, tips can be submitted through the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.