Big Island police have identified Keahi N. Kamehaiku of a Kailua, Kona address as the motorcyclist who was fatally injured in a motorcycle crash last night on Kealakehe Parkway, about a half mile east of Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway.

Responding to an 8:11 p.m. call, Kona patrol officers and traffic investigators determined that Kamehaiku, 25, was operating a 2001 Yamaha motorcycle and traveling east on Kealakehe Parkway in the left lane. Witnesses told police the motorcycle appeared to be speeding as it passed a vehicle in the right lane.

Kamehaiku then changed to the right lane, where he struck the curb and lost control of the motorcycle.

He was not wearing a helmet.

Kamehaiku was taken to Kona Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:25 p.m.

Police believe that speed and alcohol were factors in this crash.

Traffic Enforcement Unit officers have initiated a coroner's inquest case and have ordered an autopsy.

Police ask anyone with information about this crash to call Officer Joshua Lewis at 808-326-4646, ext. 229.

This is the 12th traffic fatality on the Big Island this year compared with 11 at the same time last year.