Maui police release further details on officer-involved shooting in Pukalani
The Maui Police Department provided an update to the community on the progress of the officer-involved shooting that took place on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025 in Pukalani. The information was shared during an afternoon press conference at the Maui Police Department’s Wailuku Station.
Captain Nelson Hamilton with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division described how the incident unfolded.
Central Dispatch received a report of an abuse-type case at around 3:46 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at 78 Noho Place in Pukalani.
“Officers arrived on scene at approximately 3:54 p.m. and were informed that 20 year old Macayla Deponte, of Haʻikū, had barricaded herself inside the bedroom with a knife,” Hamilton explained. “Upon entering the residence, officers repeatedly identified themselves and attempted to engage her, asking her if she was okay. She refused to come out. Instead she played loud music and yelled incoherently.”
He said that after several minutes, officers assessed the situation both inside and outside the residence.
“At 3:59 p.m., one of the officers made checks of the attached garage through the only entrance-exit point, which was a door within the kitchen. As he exited the garage to the kitchen, Deponte suddenly emerged from the bedroom armed with a knife,” said Hamilton.
According to police, the officer drew his firearm as she advanced, as the second officer who entered the residence withdrew his Taser.
“Both officers gave verbal commands to her to show [her] hands and drop the knife. When she failed to comply, she continued forward with the knife. The officers instructed her multiple times to drop the knife,” Hamilton said.
According to police, over a span of 10 seconds, the officers attempted to create distance while continuing verbal commands.
“When she raised the knife and moved towards the officers, he discharged his firearm twice. At 4:01 p.m. officers immediately called for medical assistance and gave lifesaving measures while awaiting the medics,” according to Hamilton.
Police showed photos of the enclosed garage and the knife that the woman was holding when she advanced towards the officers. Police also showed body worn camera footage from the responding officers.
Police say that had the woman survived, she would have been charged with first degree attempted murder.
Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said: “The sanctity of human life is a core value of the Maui Police Department, and is embedded in our policies and our training. We recognize that a family is grieving the loss of a loved one. There are no winners and critical incidents. Everyone is impacted. Police officers are called to make split-second decisions in rapidly dynamic evolving situations.”
He said that when faced with an imminent threat, officers must react to protect themselves and others in the community. “Public safety and protecting the community is our highest priority. This, unfortunately, is a stark reminder of the risks of this profession. May God bless our community. May God bless the police department.”
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave as standard procedure. The investigation remains ongoing.
Also in attendance at the press conference were: Deputy Police Chief Wade Maeda and Assistant Chief Keola Tom of the department’s Uniform Services Division.