Man found guilty of first-degree murder in Maui police officer’s death

News admin October 10, 2026 0 Comments

Man found guilty of first-degree murder in Maui police officer’s death

WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The man who was accused of killing a Maui police officer last year has been found guilty of first-degree murder.

Clembert Kaneholani, 39, stood trial on six offenses, including first-degree murder in the death of Officer Suzanne O in Pāʻia last August.

Kaneholani, also known as “Aliʻi,” was also found guilty of reckless endangering and four firearms charges.

The jury began deliberations at 3:20 p.m. Tuesday and took two days to reach a unanimous verdict.

Prosecutor Andrew Martin said Kaneholani’s own words were some of the strongest evidence against him.

He pointed to recorded jail calls, in which Kaneholani made statements such as “I got me one doe” and “If you’re in blue, I ain’t a friend to you.”

During the trial, Kaneholani’s attorney, Zachary Raidmae, said the shooting was an accident and blamed officers for not following protocol.

In a statement after the verdict, Raidmae said: “Out of respect for the jury and the ongoing proceedings, I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the case at this time. Alii is digesting the verdict and I’ll reserve any comment until the proceedings have concluded.”

Officer O’s family members, fellow officers, loved ones and supporters hugged, cried and shook hands in the gallery. Her family said they have mixed emotions — they are grateful the jury found Kaneholani guilty, but the verdict does not bring Officer O back.

“While no amount of time in a prison cell can replace the loss of Officer O or heal the pain her family and loved ones carry every day, today’s sentence ensures this dangerous individual will never again threaten our community,” said acting Chief of Police Wade Maeda in a statement. “We are encouraged by today’s decision and the momentum it brings toward passage of the Suzanne O bill in the upcoming Legislative session. The Maui Police Department will forever honor Officer O’s ultimate sacrifice and continue to uphold her legacy.”

Murder in the first degree carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to state officials, this was the first time a defendant charged under the first-degree murder statute for killings of police officers, judges and prosecutors had gone to trial in Maui County.