Full Notification

Hawai‘i Police Department
Traffic Enforcement Unit
Sergeant Thomas Koyanagi
Phone: 326-4646, Ext. 229
Report No. 23-077788

Media Release

A 30-year-old Waikoloa man died following a single vehicle collision on Sunday (August 13, 2023) fronting the Manuka State Recreational Park (81.2 Mile Marker) entrance which is located in Kau.

The 30-year-old male has been identified as Koa Kane Clark.

Responding to a 8:08 p.m. call, police determined that a black 2008 Mercedes-Benz 280 convertible was heading north on Highway 11 at a very high rate of speed.  The Mercedes-Benz lost control and drove off of the roadway (Mauka) and struck the rockwall sign that was fronting Manuka State Recreational Park. The driver was then ejected from the vehicle.  The 30-year-old male was transported to the Kona Community Hospital and was pronounced dead on Monday (August 14, 2023) at 1:18 a.m.

A 25-year-old Kailua-Kona man was a passenger in the vehicle and was taken to the Kona Community Hospital for treatment.  He is currently listed in stable condition.

Police believe that speed and impairment are factors in the crash.  The 30-year-old driver was not wearing his seat-belt at the time of the crash.

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

The Area II Traffic Enforcement Unit has initiated a Coroner’s Inquest investigation and is asking for anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact Officer Adam Roberg at 326-4646, ext. 229 or email at [email protected].

This is the 11th traffic fatality this year compared to 25 at this time last year.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.