Single-car crash proves fatal to Kona man, 43

Advertiser Staff

KEALAKEHE, Hawai'i — A 43-year-old Kona man has died from injuries he suffered in a car crash Sunday on Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway near Kona International Airport.

Police said Lester Macadangdang of Kailua was driving a 1994 Honda Civic sedan north on the highway at 2:50 p.m. when he tried to pass the car in front of him. A vehicle behind him was already in the process of overtaking Macadangdang's car, and when he tried to avoid a collision, he lost control and ran off the road into a lava field, where his car overturned.

Macadangdang was taken to Kona Community Hospital and later flown to The Queen's Medical Center on O'ahu, where he died at 4:22 p.m. Monday.

Traffic investigators are seeking the other car involved in the accident, which a witness described as a red sports sedan. The driver reportedly came back to the crash site, but left before talking to police.

Call officer Bradley Freitas at (808) 326-4277 or (808) 961-2332.

There have been seven traffic deaths on the Big Island so far this year compared with 11 a year ago.