Police Identify Man Killed in Ocean View Shooting

The Hawaii Police Department has released details regarding a fatal shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Ocean View. Police Chief Reed Mahuna announced that 31-year-old Nafetalai Teisina was shot and killed by a police officer after a confrontation that left the officer injured.

Sequence of Events Leading Up to the Shooting

The incident began when two police officers responded separately to a report at the Malama Market store on Mamalahoa Highway. According to Chief Mahuna, a woman in the parking lot flagged down the officers, reporting that her sunglasses had been stolen and identifying Teisina as the suspect. Teisina fled into a nearby lava field characterized by brush and rugged terrain, prompting a search by both officers.

Confrontation and Officer's Use of Force

During the search, the officers became separated. One officer encountered Teisina and ordered him to stop. After repeated verbal commands went unheeded, the officer deployed his Taser multiple times, with no effect. Mahuna stated that Teisina then threatened to kill the officer and began throwing large lava rocks. The officer drew his firearm as Teisina continued to refuse to comply. The first rock thrown missed, but the second struck the officer's forearm as he tried to deflect it. The officer fired his service weapon twice, striking Teisina. Despite being shot, Teisina reportedly continued to throw rocks as the officer attempted to take him into custody.

Immediate Response and Aftermath

The officer immediately called for assistance and provided medical aid to Teisina, but Teisina was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy was scheduled for the following day. Chief Mahuna noted that a toxicology report may clarify why the Taser, which struck Teisina, was ineffective during the incident.

The officer suffered an injury severe enough to temporarily sideline him from duty and received treatment at Ka‘u Hospital before being released. The officer, who had recently completed training and been assigned to the Ka‘u Patrol Division, has been placed on paid administrative leave — a standard procedure following a police-involved shooting.

Investigation and Transparency

Both an internal investigation by the Office of Professional Standards and a criminal investigation by the Criminal Investigation Section are underway. Chief Mahuna stated that, based on the current facts, the officer's use of deadly force appeared justifiable, referencing the threat to the officer’s safety and the lack of retreat options due to the terrain. "A rock hitting someone is absolutely able to cause death or serious bodily injury," Mahuna explained. "It does not appear at this time that the officer had an alternative, given the circumstances and the way things played out."

Mahuna emphasized the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, saying, "This incident is an example of that very danger." He assured that body camera footage of the incident will be released as soon as possible, highlighting the department's commitment to transparency. "At the center of this incident are a lost life, a grieving family, and an injured officer. As we move forward, we must do so with compassion, care, and respect for all those that are involved," he said.

Background of the Deceased and Ongoing Proceedings

Teisina had previous convictions for misdemeanor assault and petty misdemeanor theft, with no felony convictions in Hawaii. The police chief offered condolences to Teisina's family and acknowledged the gravity of the situation for all parties involved. The investigations will continue to determine all circumstances of the fatal shooting. Updates will be provided as more information, including body camera footage and autopsy results, become available.

Source: westhawaiitoday.com.