WAILUKU, Maui (KHON2) — Today in Maui District Court, the man accused of the fatal shooting of Maui police officer Suzanne O made his initial court appearance.
38-year-old Clembert Kaneholani stood before the judge in a brief hearing and did not speak a word.
But the gallery spoke volumes, packed with law enforcement from all branches, a show of unity for their fallen officer.
Kaneholani is accused of fatally shooting Officer Suzanne O, who was responding to a trespassing and terroristic threatening call at the Paia Sugar Mill off Baldwin Avenue.
According to police records, Kaneholani fired at the officers, hitting and fatally wounding Officer O.
Officers returned fire, striking Kaneholani. He was taken into custody while receiving medical treatment.
For the family of Suzanne O, the last few days has been a nightmare.
“I would say at this stage, we’re still pretty shocked,” said Shen O, Suzanne O’s brother. “We can’t believe this actually happened. We really wish it was just a dream.”
Court records show Kaneholani has a long criminal history dating back to 2005, including a felony theft conviction, disorderly conduct and reckless driving.
And just two days before the shooting, the mother of his six children filed a TRO against him, claiming years of abuse, and said she knew he had a gun that he carried with him.
“Nobody that’s an ex-felon should have the ability to have a handgun, and you can rest assured that I will absolutely be working with the Governor and others that we can do some things that are very concrete to make this not in vain,” said John Pelletier, Maui Police Chief. “And so if we have to have an Officer O Bill where we’ve got some mandatory sentences, we’re going to do that because that’s unacceptable. Period.”
Meanwhile, a growing memorial around her squad car outside the Maui Police Headquarters was the last thing O touched before being gunned down.
“These are people who didn’t even know her and come in support of her. Yeah, it touched my heart,” said Kim Sylva, O’s boyfriend’s stepmother.
Those who knew her well described her as someone who put everyone before herself and loved being a police officer. She was 37 and had no children, but she doted on her nieces and nephews.
“I just had a strong compulsion this morning to come here, show my respect, and give thanks to this officer that sacrificed the ultimate sacrifice and giving her life to the community of Maui,” said Jeffery Tanoue, a retired Maui police officer.
As for Kaneholani, he is being held without bail on charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and five firearms offenses. He is expected back in court Wednesday, Aug. 20, for a preliminary hearing.
Funeral arrangements for Officer O are still pending. The Maui Police Department said it will provide more details later this week.