HPD Holds Conference on Officer Shooting

At a Hawai‘i Police Department press conference held on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, HPD Chief Paul Ferreira outlined what lead up to the shooting of Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa on Tuesday evening, July 17, 2018.

VC: KITV via Nā Leo TV

Chief Ferreira mentioned that the last officer killed in the line of duty was in the 1990s—Officer Kenneth Keliipio on March 27, 1997; prior to that, Officer Shigeru Jitchaku on May 7, 1990.

He said yesterday’s incident was the first time (that he could recall) a Hawai‘i County Police officer was killed by gunfire in the line of duty.

Hawai‘i County Police Department Officers killed in the line of duty. PC: HPD Website.

Chief Ferreira specifically wanted to recognize the Hawai‘i Fire Department personnel for their quick response as well as all of the staff of the Hilo Medical Center Emergency Room.

The suspect, a 33-year old Justin Waiki, who was wanted on an outstanding no bail warrant and multiple All Points Bulletins, has not been apprehended at this time.

Officer Kaliloa underwent surgery. Lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:45 a.m.

Officer Kaliloa, a 10-year veteran of the Hawaiʻi Police Department, leaves behind his wife and three small children.