Police yesterday continued to investigate reports that a speeding, swerving car on Pali Highway caused two cars to crash in Nu'uanu, killing a man and seriously injuring a woman.

The city medical examiner yesterday identified the fatality as Michael Allen Borges, 43, of Honolulu.

Police Lt. Darren Izumo, of the vehicular homicide investigation unit, said some witnesses told investigators that a gold compact car was speeding and weaving in and out of traffic, and may have cut off Borges' Honda, causing him to lose control.

Other witnesses who reported seeing Borges' car crash said they did not see the gold compact car, Izumo said.

Borges' car, traveling toward Downtown, slammed into a rock wall at the corner of Pali Highway and Coelho Way about 7 p.m.

A woman passenger who appeared to be in her 50s was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

Evidence shows that Borges was speeding, Izumo said.

Shortly after Borges' car crashed, another vehicle in the Honolulu-bound lanes hit a guard rail just south of Coelho Way. Three people in that vehicle were injured, none seriously.

"It doesn't appear the two (crashed) vehicles collided with one another," Izumo said.

Police were looking for the car and driver that may have caused the crashes.

"We're asking anyone who saw or heard anything to come foward," Izumo said.

Police have tentatively classified the case as a negligent homicide. If it turns out that a third vehicle caused the two others to crash, that driver might also be charged with failure to render aid, Izumo said.

HPD crash investigators can be reached at 529-3499. Witnesses who want to remain anonymous may call the CrimeStoppers line at 955-8300.