Maui police identify machete-wielding suspect fatally shot by officers on Molokai

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Maui police have identified the machete-wielding suspect who was fatally shot by officers on Molokai on Sunday.

The suspect was identified as 40-year-old Nathaniel Naki, of Kaunakakai.

“You know we have had past shootings but not involving officers,” said State Senator Lynn DeCoite who represents the area and lives on Molokai. “I think because for Molokai, a lot of the officers have family relationships and family ties. So you’re not a stranger. We know we you are.”

Officials say the incident occurred around 7:40 a.m., when officers responded to a report of a temporary restraining order violation off Kamehameha V Highway in Wailua, Molokai.

According to MPD, a preliminary investigation reveals that, upon arriving to the scene, two officers encountered Naki, who was carrying a weapon.

Sources said he was wielding a machete.

MPD says the man advanced toward the officers. That’s when two police officers tried non-lethal force first.

Maui police said one officer deployed his Taser — which proved ineffective — before both officers discharged their weapons.

Officers performed life-saving measures until medic personnel arrived on the scene.

Authorities say the man was transported to the Molokai General Hospital for further treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

“He was my friend. He was a typical Mana’e boy. You can feel the collective pain,” said Maui County Councilmember Keani Rawlins-Fernandez. “To those outside Molokai, I would just ask that people hold judgment until all the details are released. These are our family and friends, and our neighbors.”

The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave as standard procedure.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

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