A 27-year-old Kona man driving a moped died early today in a crash involving three vehicles, and the drivers of two of the vehicles were arrested on charges of negligent homicide, Big Island police said.

The moped driver killed in the 1:56 a.m. accident today on Poinciana and Alii drives was identified by police as Michael Jauss of Kailua, Kona.

Police charged and later released, pending further investigation, two drivers from different vehicles with negilgent homicide. One of the drivers was 24-year-old Shanelle Castaneda Acantilado of Kailua, Kona, who was arrested for investigation of first-degree negligent homicide, driving while under the influence and driving without a license. She operated a 2006 Honda sport utility vehicle that was headed north in the southbound lane before striking a 2003 Ford pickup truck that swerved into the oncoming lane in attempt to avoid a collision.

Acantilado's car then struck a 1994 Mazda pickup truck after crashing head-on into Jauss' moped and dragging him 20 yards.

Police also charged 26-year-old Anthony B. Smith of Kailua, Kona, who suffered minor injuries. He was charged with investigation of first-degree negligent homicide, driving under the influence, promoting a detrimental drug, driving without insurance and false safety certificate, police said.

This was the 20th fatality this year, police said.

The moped rider was taken to Kona Community Hospital at 5:45 a.m. and was pronounced dead. Occupants of the Ford pickup were uninjured as was the driver of the SUV. All four occupants of the 2003 Ford pickup were uninjured.

Police ask that anyone who with information on the crash should call police Officer Thomas Koyanagi at 326-4646, ext. 229, or the department's nonemergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.