SHOPO Statement on Sykap Settlement

News Release from SHOPO, Dec 3, 2025

Honolulu, HI –Today, the Honolulu City Council voted to authorize a settlement agreement with the Sykap family in their lawsuit against the City and County of Honolulu. SHOPO State Board President Nick Shlapak issued this statement in response.

"The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) stands firmly behind our officers.

The facts show that our officers acted lawfully to protect themselves and the public from a violent, multi-day crime spree. They were attempting to arrest a crew that had just carried out a home invasion robbery, adding to a list of armed felonies committed in a stolen car while waving guns out of the window as they sped from one victim to the next.

These facts have been scrutinized three times: by a Grand Jury, by a State Judge, and by an internal administrative investigation. In all three cases, the outcome was the same: our officers acted appropriately.

Those processes sought the truth. Unfortunately, a civil court judge has decided to hide it.

Recent pre-trial rulings have barred a civil jury from hearing about the violent "crime spree" that terrorized our community for three days. The jury won't hear that the deceased had methamphetamine surging through his veins, or that replica handguns and live ammunition were found in the stolen car.

Most tragically, the jury would not hear about the citizens terrorized by this crew.

Federal data shows that 59% of robbery victims and 52% of aggravated assault victims suffer moderate to severe emotional distress. The innocent couple assaulted in Aiea and the families threatened in Moiliili are likely living with this trauma today. Yet, the Judge has ruled that they do not exist in this trial. She did not just silence the victims; she banished them.

We understand the position the City Council is in. While they have made statements of support for our officers, they are being asked to carry out a legal fight where the judge has tied both arms behind their backs and then said, "Let's have a fair fight."

Fair for whom?

We believe it is a travesty for anyone to receive $1 million in relation to a violent crime spree that made people fear for their lives. The thought of a verdict ordering even more millions is reprehensible. It feels like another armed robbery.

On principle, we believe the City Council should reject the settlement. However, as stewards of the taxpayers' money, we will find no fault in a strategy that prevents the plaintiffs from profiting even further from a rigged system, as long as the City continues to support the officers who risked their lives that day.

Our officers have been exonerated by the truth. A civil suit settlement will not tarnish their service."

Nick Schlapak, President

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The State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) represents over 2,600 police officers in the State of Hawaii. Our officers serve in the Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii County Police Department, Maui County Police Department, and Kaua’i County Police Department.