Police are investigating a fatal traffic collision between a motor vehicle and a motorcycle that occurred on Kahakai Boulevard in Pahoa early Wednesday evening.

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The victim, the motorcyclist, has been identified as 30-year-old Korey Palmerton of Pahoa.

Responding to a traffic collision call at 5:27 p.m., police determined that Palmerton was riding a Honda CBR600F motorcycle mauka on Kahakai near the intersection of Niuhi Street when a makai-bound 2006 Toyota Camry sedan on Kahakai attempted to make a left turn onto Niuhi Street. The motorcycle struck the sedan.

Palmerton was unresponsive at the scene and taken to Hilo Benioff Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 6:18 p.m.

An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

The driver of the sedan, 36-year-old Kade Smith of Pahoa, was not injured as a result of the collision. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI, first-degree negligent homicide, driving after license suspended for DUI and driving without insurance.

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Smith is currently in custody at the Hilo Police Station pending further investigation.

At this time, police believe speed, alcohol and/or drugs, and inattention are factors in this collision. Palmerton was not using a helmet.

Palmerton’s death is the 14th traffic fatality of 2026 compared to 13 at this time last year.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact Officer Jerome Duarte at (808) 961-2339 or [email protected], or the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

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