by Andrew Walden

Has an HPD officer been arrested after a Niu Valley shooting described as ‘accidental’?

Hawaii News Now, Thursday, December 23, 2021, reports:

The Honolulu Police Department said it is investigating after a man was accidentally shot in Niu Valley.

Authorities said the incident happened around 1 a.m. Thursday on Halemaumau Street.

Officials said the 38-year-old man was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Honolulu Emergency Medical Services said someone else accidentally set off the firearm, hitting the victim in the arm and abdomen.

Police have not said if anyone has been arrested.

The Hawaii Firearms Coalition comments:

Our sources are reporting that this Negligent Discharge (ND) was perpetrated by a current Hawaii law enforcement officer.

It was reported to us that the officer's (personal) AR-15 was dropped and discharged a round. This round then struck another occupant (relative) in the same home.

Why is this not being reported by HPD to the media? Or was it, and it’s just being Omitted?

AR-15’s are known for their reliability and safety and when used correctly are some of the safest firearms around. They are also known to be drop safe (unable to fire due to shock or impact) because of the light weight floating firing pin which of course leads us to more questions.

Why was he handing a firearm at 1am? Why was the firearm loaded? Why wasn’t the safety on? We’re drugs or alcohol involved? Will criminal charges be perused?

The HPD blotter for December 23, 2021 (pg 14-15) includes:

12/23/2021 Japanese NAKAKUNI, JUSTIN MASANORI 01:52 M /26 REPORT# 21537880-001 ASSAULT 2 HRS 707-0711 250 HALEMAUMAU ST  Arresting Officer: PATTON, TAYLOR DONOVAN

An HPD Officer named Justin Nakakuni is mentioned in a February, 2021 Star-Adv article on COVID enforcement.

UPDATE: The Star-Adv now confirms, adding: “He was released pending investigation at about 5:15 a.m.”

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