A 25-year-old Ocean View man died Sunday evening after he was struck by a sport utility vehicle while walking within the westbound lane of Kaiminani Drive in Kailua-Kona.

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. at the intersection with Ane Keohokalole Highway. The driver of the SUV, a 24-year-old Kailua-Kona man, was not injured.

The pedestrian, identified as Nelsin Santos, was transported in critical condition to Kona Community Hospital, where he later died. An autopsy has been ordered.

Officers from the Traffic Enforcement Unit have opened a negligent homicide investigation and are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to call Officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646, ext. 229. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.

This was the 22nd traffic fatality on Hawaii island this year, compared with 15 at the same point last year.

Firefighters douse fire at Mauna Loa factory

Hawaii County firefighters extinguished a fire Monday at the Mauna Loa macadamia nut processing plant in Keaau.

Shortly after 2:30 a.m. firefighters responded to the blaze at a structure described as a husk dryer at the processing plant. When they arrived a 600-square-foot structure was fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters brought the fire under control at 3:13 a.m. and extinguished it at 7:45 a.m. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage is estimated at $105,000.