A Honolulu police officer was hospitalized on Saturday after his patrol car crashed into another car that apparently attempted to turn left in front of him.

The officer, in his early 30s, and the other driver, 27, were taken by paramedics to a local trauma center, both in serious condition.

Police closed the two town-bound lanes of Kalanianaole Highway in the area of Waa Street near Waialae Iki.

The accident occurred at about 7:30 p.m.

In September 2004, another officer was hurt in a similar accident less than 600 yards away. Officer Kevin Bailey, 39, was traveling toward town when a Honda made a left turn in front of his sport utility vehicle at Kaai Street.

Bailey swerved to avoid the car, but struck it, then slammed into a concrete-block wall, police said.