Hilo, HI – Fatal Dirt Bike Crash at W Kawili St & Kinoole St

Hilo, HI (April 23, 2026) – A crash involving a dirt bike and a sedan killed one person on Wednesday, April 22, at the intersection of West Kawili Street and Kinoole Street in Hilo.

Investigators said a yellow and black Suzuki dirt bike was traveling westbound on West Kawili Street when it collided with a Nissan sedan heading eastbound and turning into a nearby business parking lot. The impact left the dirt bike rider unresponsive at the scene.

Emergency units responded shortly before 10:30 p.m. after reports of a serious collision at the intersection. Paramedics attempted lifesaving efforts on the rider, but he was pronounced dead at approximately 10:45 p.m. The identity of the man has not yet been released as officials work to confirm it and notify family members.

The 22-year-old woman driving the sedan and her two passengers were taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center. Medics treated them for injuries described as non-life-threatening.

Authorities have ordered an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. At this stage, officials believe speed may have played a role in the crash.

The investigation into the cause of the collision remains ongoing.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the dirt bike rider who lost his life. We wish the injured individuals a full and swift recovery.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Hawaii?

Hawaii law authorizes the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to file a wrongful death claim. That person acts on behalf of surviving family members who may be entitled to compensation. The probate court typically assigns this role through a formal appointment process.

Once appointed, the personal representative must have confirmed legal authority before taking any formal steps. A probate court usually selects someone named in a will or a close family member. That appointment is what gives them standing to move forward with a claim.

In most cases, surviving spouses, children, and parents are the primary beneficiaries in a Hawaii wrongful death case. Hawaii law identifies these immediate family members as those most directly affected by the loss. The personal representative files the claim on their behalf.

If no immediate family survives, other dependents may still have a recognized interest under Hawaii law. Courts can consider individuals who relied on the deceased for financial support. Each situation is reviewed based on the nature of the relationship and the level of dependency involved.

Compensation in a Hawaii wrongful death claim can include funeral expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. The amount available depends on who survived and what losses they experienced. No two claims produce the same result.

A Honolulu wrongful death lawyer can confirm who may be eligible, identify filing deadlines under Hawaii’s statute of limitations, and guide you through the legal process. They can also review whether all eligible parties are properly included.

If you lost a loved one in a crash in Hawaii, our team at Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner is here to help. We have years of experience handling wrongful death cases across the islands and can help you understand how Hawaii’s filing rules, liability, and documentation may apply to your situation.

You can contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner at (808) 537-2525 to learn more about your legal options after a fatal crash in Hawaii.

Notes: Our team of writers uses secondary sources such as news reports and local and state police incident reports to create these posts. We have not independently verified all of the facts surrounding this particular accident, so if there is any information that is incorrect, please contact Leavitt, Yamane & Soldner so that we can update the post to reflect the most accurate information available.

Disclaimer: This post is not a solicitation for business. The photo used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. None of the information in this post is intended to be legal advice or medical advice. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical assistance immediately.