A 27-year-old Kailua-Kona moped rider died yesterday in a crash in Kailua-Kona that involved three vehicles and the drivers of two of the vehicles were arrested on charges of negligent homicide, Big Island police said.

The moped driver killed in the 1:56 a.m. accident on Alii Drive near Royal Poinciana Drive was identified by police as Michael Jauss.

Police charged two drivers from different vehicles with negligent homicide and later released them pending further investigation.

Charged were 24-year-old Shanelle Castaneda Acantilado, of Kailua Kona, who was arrested for first-degree negligent homicide, driving while under the influence and driving without a license. She operated a 2006 Honda sport utility vehicle that was headed north in the southbound lane of Alii Drive before striking a 2003 Ford pick up truck that swerved into the oncoming lane in an attempt to avoid a collision

Acantilado's car then struck a 1994 Mazda truck after allegedly crashing head-on into Jauss' moped and dragging him 20 yards.

Police also charged Anthony B. Smith, 26, of Kailua-Kona, who suffered minor injuries. He was charged with first-degree negligent homicide, driving under the influence, promoting a detrimental drug, driving without insurance and having a false safety certificate, police said.

The crash was the 20th fatality this year, police said.

The moped rider was taken to Kona Community Hospital at 5:45 a.m. and was pronounced dead.