HPD investigates officers’ use of force in Waikiki domestic dispute

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Honolulu police said they are investigating their response after a video that appeared to show officers repeatedly striking a man during a domestic dispute arrest in Waikiki.

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According to the Honolulu Police Department, officers were called just before 8:45 p.m. Friday to assist with a domestic argument.

Video sent by a viewer shows officers attempting to detain the suspect, who appeared to be moving around on his hands and knees. During the struggle, officers could be seen apparently striking the suspect repeatedly to get him under control.

Police said the man was arrested for abuse of a family or household member and resisting arrest.

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HPD said physical force was used by the officers in response to the suspect’s resistance.

In a statement to Hawaii News Now, police said:

“HPD reviews all incidents of physical force applied by our officers utilizing evidence including, but not limited to, video footage captured on their body-worn cameras. The application of any physical force upon a suspect may depend on a multitude of factors, including the person’s level of compliance, the physical resistance he or she decides to use on our officers during lawful arrest, and the potentiality of hidden weapons upon their bodies. A full investigation into the officers’ response to resistance and the appropriateness of the strikes seen in the video will be conducted.”

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