James M. Cordova dies in fatal Pāhoa, Hawaii traffic crash
Fatal Pāhoa traffic crash death of James M. Cordova – Obituary.
James M. Cordova, a 58-year-old resident of Pāhoa, tragically lost his life in a traffic collision on the evening of December 30, 2024. The accident occurred on Kahakai Boulevard near Olao Street at approximately 7:57 p.m.
Police investigations revealed that Cordova was riding a blue mountain bike eastbound on Kahakai Boulevard when he was struck by a 2018 Volkswagen GTI sedan, also traveling east. The car was driven by 36-year-old Michael L. Richardson, also of Pāhoa.
Cordova was found unresponsive at the scene and was transported to Hilo Benioff Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 8:55 p.m. An autopsy is planned to confirm the cause of death.
Richardson was taken into custody and faces charges, including first-degree negligent homicide, operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant, and lacking a motor vehicle insurance policy. After consultation with the County Prosecutor’s Office, he was released pending further investigation and toxicology test results.
Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information about the crash to contact Officer Jerome Duarte of the East Hawaii Traffic Enforcement Unit at (808) 961-2339 or Jerome.Duarte@hawaiicounty.gov. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.
This incident marks the 29th traffic fatality on Hawai‘i Island in 2024, compared to 15 during the same period in 2023.
