A motorcyclist was killed on the Big Island Friday when he crashed underneath a van that had crossed in his path, Big Island firefighters said yesterday.

The van was heading south on Kuakini Highway in Kailua, Kona, when it made a left turn in front of the north-bound motorcycle around 6:48 p.m., firefighters said.

The adult motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet and had to be removed from under the van.

MARINES, SAILORS BACK FROM IRAQ

About 150 Marines and sailors return to Hawai'i today after a seven-month deployment to Iraq.

The members of Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363, the Red Lions, will fly into Hickam Air Force Base, then go by bus to Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kane'ohe Bay, where they will greet family and friends.

The squadron was deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, supporting combat operations.

KEA'AU HIGH WINS LIFESMARTS TITLE

For the third straight year, Kea'au High School has won the state crown in the LifeSmarts consumer education competition.

The contest was held yesterday in the state Capitol auditorium.

The game-show-style event tests students on their knowledge of personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology, consumer rights and responsibilities.

DRIVER HURT AFTER MOTORCYCLE FLIPS

A 23-year-old woman from Kane'ohe was critically injured yesterday in a motorcycle accident in the Aloha Tower parking lot, police said.

Police said the woman, who was not wearing a helmet, was speeding and doing wheel stands on the motorcycle near the Falls of Clyde when the bike overturned.

She suffered severe head injuries in the 12:25 p.m. accident and was taken to The Queen's Medical Center in critical condition.

H-2 LANE CLOSURES THROUGH FRIDAY

Intermittent right-lane closures are planned on the south-bound H-2 Freeway starting tomorrow as the state and Army clear more than 300 trees near Wheeler Army Airfield.

The lane closures will affect the area from Wilikina Drive to just past the H-2 Freeway on-ramp from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through Friday.

The Department of Transportation is working with the Army to clear about 340 trees lining the eastern end of the Wheeler runway. The trees average 50 feet to 70 feet in height and pose a hazard to approaching aircraft, the DOT said in a news release.

The trees include ironwood, albizzia, banyan and African tulip.

Low-lying shrubs such as native hibiscus will be planted after the trees are removed. The Outdoor Circle has been consulted, the DOT said.

The work is expected to be completed by the end of the month.