Motorcyclist dies in HPP traffic crash
A motorcyclist died after he collided with a Tesla sport-utility vehicle Monday afternoon in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
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At 4:30 p.m., responding officers determined that the a northbound Suzuki Enduro motorcycle was traveling on 12th Avenue at a high rate of speed after overtaking another vehicle. It then reportedly collided with the southbound 2024 Tesla SUV that was making a left turn into a private driveway in the 15-1600 block of 12th Avenue.
The motorcyclist, identified as 58-year-old Max Mattos of Kurtistown, was unresponsive at the scene. He was pronounced dead at 5:41 p.m. at Hilo Benioff Medical Center.
An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.
The driver of the Tesla, a 47-year-old Keaau woman, wasn’t injured.
At this time, police think speed and reckless driving are factors in this crash. Mattos was wearing a helmet, police said.
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This is the 13th traffic fatality of 2026 on Hawaii Island roads, the same as at the same time last year. It also marks the eighth traffic fatality on our island in the past two weeks, and the fourth since Friday.
Police remind motorists that many traffic fatalities are preventable and urge drivers to remain attentive, obey traffic laws, and drive responsibly.
Anyone with additional information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Johnathan Rapoza at (808) 961-2339 or [email protected].
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Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.