An SUV carrying Japanese soldiers in Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific exercise was involved in a fatal collision with a motorcycle last week on Kauai, according to Japanese and U.S. officials. (Lance Cpl. Andrew Cortez/U.S. Marine Corps)
An SUV carrying Japanese soldiers in Hawaii for the Rim of the Pacific exercise was involved in a fatal collision with a motorcycle last week on Kauai, according to Japanese and U.S. officials.
The motorcyclist, a 44-year-old man from Kauai, was killed Thursday when he collided with a rented SUV carrying three members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, according to the Kauai Police Department and the Self-Defense Force. One SUV occupant was injured and treated at the scene, according a police news release Friday.
“Speed appears to be a suspected factor in the crash, however, the investigation remains ongoing,” the police said.
The westbound 2021 Dodge SUV was turning left on Kaumuali‘i Highway, Kekaha, when it collided with the eastbound motorcycle, according to police. The accident occurred outside the Pacific Missile Test Range at Barking Sands, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Rob Reinheimer told Stars and Stripes on Monday by phone.
The three are participating in RIMPAC with the 7th Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile Regiment, based on Camp Katsuren, Okinawa, according to a Self-Defense Force news release Friday.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic event, and our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the deceased,” Reinheimer said via email. “We are cooperating with local officials throughout the investigation.”
Reinheimer declined further comment, citing privacy concerns and the ongoing investigation by Kauai police.
Kauai police could not be reached by phone or email Monday morning for comment.
The highway was closed for approximately 2½ hours while police investigated the scene, according to the release. This is Kauai’s fifth fatal accident this year, it states.
RIMPAC, a biennial exercise in Hawaii touted by the U.S. Navy as the “largest in the Pacific,” this year runs through Aug. 8 and includes 29 countries, including Japan. The exercise focuses on developing relationships between countries and improving their ability to work together during disasters or warfare.
