Jury hears emotional testimony from police, sees bodycams at murder trial of Maui officer

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui police officers described the moment their fellow officer Suzanne O was fatally shot in Paia last year at the second day of Clembert Kaneholani’s first-degree murder trial.

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Jurors also watched police body camera footage from officers who were with her that night on August 15, 2025.

Officer shot above bulletproof vest

It was a single shot that struck O in the left side of her chest, right above her bulletproof vest.

Officer Dylan McLellan-Puaa testified about trying to save her life.

“I was telling her, ‘Stay with me. Stay with us. Keep fighting,’” McLellan-Puaa said fighting back tears.

Officers responded to reports of gunfire

O and several other officers were responding to a 911 call from the caretaker of the old Paia sugar mill, who reported a stranger was shooting at him.

O was the first officer on the scene.

Officers said it was a dark and quiet night as they searched the property for the perpetrator and O was ambushed.

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“I hear a pop that came from her direction. I turned to face her and she turned around towards me with her hand across her chest and then collapsed,” Kawas said, also fighting back tears.

Other officers attempted to save O, while Kawas fired back at the suspect, striking Kaneholani in his hip.

O later died.

Defense questions officers on scene

Kaneholani’s attorney, Zachary Raidmae, questioned officers about whether they identified themselves during the search.

“As you’re coming around these corners, you’re not calling out, ‘Maui police!’ You’re not saying that?” Raidmae asked.

“At that time, no we did not,” McLellan-Puaa said.

“You’re not attempting to communicate with the suspect, correct?” Raidmae asked.

“At that time, no we did not,” McLellan-Puaa said.

Charges and next steps

Kaneholani, a convicted felon, faces six charges, including first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder and multiple firearms offenses. If convicted on all charges, he faces life in prison without parole.

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The trial resumes Thursday morning.