Police Encounter With Hawaiian National in Pahoa

[opihikao]

I hesitated in posting this, however, wanted to hear opinions on what happened in Pahoa between a Hawaiian national, and the police. The hesitation was due to the fear of bringing up a tough subject for some of us, and possibly provoking insults flying in all directions.

Wanting to hear honest opinions outweighed the risk of potential mud slinging. Would really appreciate if we could discuss this one without any ugliness. Please? I am really concerned about this issue and value your opinions.

The video is almost 44 minutes long (watched it in the entirety in several portions), however was worth watching so I could think about this more as it was happening. Several concerns came to mind, none of which have immediate solutions.

I thought about the five (5) officers, and the Sargeant dealing with this first, given the length of time this took. All of them were off patrol of Puna due to this stand off.

We really can't afford to have all those officers dealing with this one case, unless he was a wanted rapist, murderer, child molester, home invader/burglar, etc. (Pictures of "wanted" suspects are usually given at briefing if available). Puna is too large a district with not enough officers as it is.

There needs to be a solid plan implemented to avoid this type of discussion/confrontation. As the Hawaiian Kingdom moves forward on the international court level, and the United States moves towards Federal recognition for Hawaiian nationals, this must be part of the negotiations (if that is a proper term).

It is really an ongoing problem, but to watch this happen in Pahoa, during a trying time already, is quite concerning. It could have been handled differently perhaps (several tense moments), just thankful for patience and understanding on some of the officers' part, and the young man. Couple other things didn't sit right with me, but tend to overthink on occasion. Watching all the body language in this stop was also interesting.

Here is the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDG_Wj0KtIs

Mahalo nui for your patience and understanding of this long winded post. Appreciate your interest (if any) and opinion if you would. This is a tough one as I can understand both sides of this argument. Very difficult situation, almost sad. For all parties involved.


JMO.

[opihikao]

Don't know, Obie. Maybe, as it did get tenous at some points.

JMO.

[HereOnThePrimalEdge]

So... If he crashes into someone, with no registration, license, etc, and he refuses to provide any I.D., what happens to the poor schmuck who gets hit?

[shave_ice]

My issue with it was that he refused to show ID. No matter that what he is saying true, how can it be verified without knowing who he is?
I thought the officers were very patient and professional and I'm glad no one got hurt and it was resolved amicably. Hopefully, there is a plan in motion so that the police (and everyone for that matter) are on the same page and this won't have to happen again. JMO.

[Adam-I-Am]

Watched it all and found it very interesting. The "people" are starting to "rise up" here and there on planet earth. Anyway ,,, "can you read between the lines" saved the situation.

[PaulW]

I watched 3 minutes and had to turn it off.
Lots of videos like that, people being pulled over by cops and then claiming the police have no right to do anything.
Yeah sure. Life will be a constant struggle if you don't accept reality.

[ericlp]

What a joke...

I'm pretty sure he would have been in a cell long ago if he was in Honolulu... Gotta thank the Pahoa Police for being really patient with this one. I dunno, it was starting to get ugly, and I think it most likely didn't end up too well for him after the camera was shut off.

They just told him he wasn't going to drive with out insurance/registration. So, I highly doubt they just let him go when he gives him his state ID.

Tho, I have to admit the guy was extremely cool even after pulling his friend out of the passenger seat. The camera wasn't even shaking or anything. If it was me, I kinda get a little nervous around angry cops with guns. Especially 4-5 of them. Tho, we don't really know what happened at the end but I am sure the cops treated him just like they would anyone else. No Insurance, take what you want with you from the car, and it get's towed... At least I hope that is what they did, considering, if I ever get rear ended from someone like this with out insurance, I wouldn't be too happy about this. Hawaiian national or not, someone is gonna pay up.

BTW, No insurance is automatic 1000 bucks, probably more then that today. The fun was just beginning ... Wish I could have seen the finial outcome.


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[dmbwest]

I love our Police ! ... Good job guys ! Sorry your (more useful) time was wasted on this.

Thankful you are here.
aloha,
citizen pog

[TomK]

I now have a much better opinion of the police in Puna. Just wish a small incident like this didn't pull so many officers away from more important things they might be doing.

[ironyak]

First off, thanks for sharing this. It is a difficult, but important topic. Overall the police handled themselves well, with the exception of forcing the door and attempting to grab the car keys which created the tense moments. The two individuals in the car did well to remain calm and voice their objections.

Overall, civil disobedience even at the individual level is usually part or challenging and ultimately changing the law. Given the cloudiness of the legal situation of the Kingdom of Hawaii, more actions like these are probable and necessary to force a response from the court system (local, state, national, international). Trying to reconcile two systems of overlapping governance will be challenging especially down at the minutiae of vehicle plates, personal ID, building codes, permits, etc... Is there even a contempory or historical situation that is analogous?

In the meantime, local PD needs to develop a method to resolve these situations without needing 5 officers and a supervisor. I'm not sure what this might be given the fundamental contention over jurisdiction...