Two men killed in Hawaii Island collision

KONA, HAWAII (HawaiiNewsNow) - A head-on collision on Queen Kaahumanu Highway early Thursday killed two men, according to Big Island police.

Police responded around 1 a.m. and learned that the driver of a 2004 Honda van was traveling south on the highway near the 81-mile marker when it crossed the centerline and crashed into a 1999 Chevrolet van, which was traveling in the opposite direction.

Both drivers were taken to the North Hawaii Community Hospital where they were pronounced dead.

The driver of the Chevrolet has been identified as 48-year-old Thomas Callero of Waikoloa. The driver of the Honda is identified as 70-year-old Stewart Kroll of Kailua-Kona.

It's not known if speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.

Police have opened a negligent homicide investigation and are asking that anyone who has further information to call CrimeStoppers at (808) 961-8300.

These are the third and fourth traffic fatalities this year compared with five the same time last year.