Molokaʻi Suspect Attempts Escape During Ferry Transport

Imua Mawae. MPD photo.

By Wendy Osher

A Molokaʻi man attempted to escape police custody by jumping overboard during transport on an inter-island ferry, police said.

Imua Mawae, 27, was being transported on the Molokaʻi Ferry to Maui on an unrelated bench warrant arrest when the incident occurred, said Maui police Lt. William Juan.

According to police reports, Mawae claimed to be suffering from sea sickness and asked to use the restroom shortly after the ferry pulled away from Kaunakakai Harbor at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22.

While an officer stood near the restroom door, Mawae jumped over the railing of the ferry and into the ocean, said Lt. Juan.

Police say Mawae made a short swim back toward the shore and was quickly located and placed back into custody without further incident.

Mawae was arrested and charged with second-degree escape, and was being held in lieu of $2,000 bail.