A motorcyclist died today in a single vehicle accident on Kekaulike Highway, in Kula, while riding his dirt bike on the road, police said.

Police said 40-year-old Michael Loriaux, of Kula died at the scene aroudn 2:15 p.m. He was not wearing a helmet or protective eye gear when he failed to negotiate a turn on the highway, police said. The motorcycle, a 400cc 2003 Kawasaki KLX dirt bike, was headed in the Pukalani direction when it collided with the guard rail.

This is Maui's 16th fatality, compared to 17 at the same time last year. And it is the seventh fatal crash involving a motorcycle so far this year.