Puna cyclist killed in collision with truck

A 66-year-old Puna man died Friday after his bicycle was struck by a pickup truck on Highway 11 near the 8-mile marker in Keeau, Hawaii.

Police said that at 11:56 a.m., a 2004 Dodge pickup truck was traveling south at a high rate of speed on Highway 11 when it lost control, crossed the grassy median and struck a bicycle traveling north on the shoulder of the road.

The bicyclist died at the scene. He was identified as Cenon Tranquilino A. Visaya of Keaau. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the exact cause of death.

Fire/rescue personnel took the 27-year-old driver of the pickup to Hilo Medical Center where he was treated and released. The man, of Mountain View, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree negligent homicide and is being held at the Hilo police cellblock pending further investigation.

Police ask that anyone who witnessed the crash call officer Tuckloy Aurello at 961-8119.

This is the 22nd fatality this year compared with 30 at this time last year.

2 men charged in Kahuku goat theft

Police charged two men Friday in connection with the theft of 23 goats from a Kahuku farm.

The goats, which have not yet been recovered, were allegedly taken sometime between Sept. 19 and 20.

Sherwin Mitchell, 24, who does not have a local address, and Shannon Chun, 24, of Kaneohe were arrested Wednesday and charged Friday with livestock theft. Bail for each was set at $11,000.