David Franklin Roland Obituary, Death – A tragic accident on Waikoloa Road in Hawaii claimed the life of a motorcyclist on Friday evening, April 4, 2025. Authorities have identified the victim as 45-year-old David Franklin Roland. The crash, which involved two vehicles, occurred around 9:16 p.m. near the 2-mile marker on Highway 191, also known as Waikoloa Road.
Hawaii Island police responded to the scene after receiving reports of the collision. According to their investigation, Roland was riding a gray motorcycle heading eastbound. For unknown reasons, he was traveling in the westbound bicycle lane of Waikoloa Road when the incident took place.
As Roland traveled in the wrong lane, his motorcycle sideswiped a gray Jeep SUV that was heading west. The impact of the collision was severe enough to cause fatal injuries to the motorcyclist. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, Roland was found unresponsive. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 9:33 p.m.
Fortunately, the occupants of the Jeep SUV — a 45-year-old male driver and a 43-year-old female passenger — were not injured in the crash. Police have not reported any signs of impairment or wrongdoing from the SUV driver at this time.
Following the tragic incident, Hawaii police initiated a coroner’s inquest investigation to determine the precise circumstances leading to the fatal crash. Authorities are working to piece together the sequence of events that caused Roland to be traveling in the opposite lane, as well as any other contributing factors.
Investigators are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to come forward. Officer Dayson Taniguchi is the lead investigator for this case. Anyone with details about the incident is encouraged to contact him at (808) 326-4646, extension 229, or via email at dayson.taniguchi@hawaiicounty.gov.
This accident marks the 10th traffic fatality recorded on Hawaii Island so far in 2025. At this same point last year, the island had reported 14 traffic-related deaths. While the number is lower than last year’s count, authorities continue to stress the importance of road safety and caution when driving or riding vehicles.
Local residents were saddened to hear of Roland’s passing. Traffic fatalities, particularly those involving motorcycles, remain a concerning issue on the island due to the nature of the roadways and the vulnerability of motorcyclists in crashes.
Authorities remind the public that motorcycle riders should always remain vigilant, adhere to traffic laws, and use proper safety equipment. Likewise, drivers of other vehicles should remain alert for motorcycles, especially in areas with narrow roads or reduced visibility.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police will release additional details if they become available. For now, the community mourns the loss of David Franklin Roland, whose life was tragically cut short on Waikoloa Road.
