VIDEO: Stand-Off With Maui Police Enters 24th Hour

By David Kvasnicka

Video report by Fred Guzman

Videography by Ray Patao

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As the stand-off drama with an armed suspect enters its 24th hour, Maui Police and SWAT units continue to seek a peaceful resolution. Maui’s Crisis Negotiations Team is in contact with the man inside a residence in the Opukea St area in Kahului.

The suspect is widely believed to be Josiah Okudara, though Maui Police continue to refrain from making any official confirmation. Privately, Okudara has been described as a dangerous character with whom many MPD officers have had unfortunate encounters.

Police have now officially confirmed that gunshots were fired from within the residence at 9.30 p.m., but say police did not return fire.

Fred Guzman talks with Maui Police at the scene of the stand-off in Kahului. Photo by Ray Patao.

Lt. Wayne Ibarra from the MPD said two females and a child voluntarily left the residence before the gunshots were fired. He said police did not consider the people that were inside the residence to be hostages.

Roads in the area continue to be blocked by police. Streets blocked include Mahaolu, Makamaka, and Hoomoku.

For further details, see our previous coverage: VIDEO: Kahului Stand-Off Drags On Into Early Morning; Shots Fired at Kahului Barricade Situation