Maui police mourn the loss of one of their own following an officer-involved shooting in Pāʻia

Maui police have since identified the fallen officer as Suzanne O. An update is available at the following direct LINK.

The Maui Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own following an officer-involved shooting in Pāʻia, Friday night.

On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at approximately 8:26 p.m., officers responded to an “in-progress terroristic threatening” incident at the Pāʻia Sugar Mill off Baldwin Avenue.

Police say the caller reported that an unknown individual had trespassed onto the property and fired a weapon at them. Upon arrival, officers encountered the armed suspect, who discharged a firearm, striking one of the responding officers. Officers returned fire, striking the suspect in the lower body. The suspect was taken into custody and is receiving medical treatment.

Despite lifesaving efforts, the officer succumbed to her injuries. Her name is being withheld at this time to allow for notification of next of kin.

MPD spokesperson Alana Pico told Maui Now the department is deeply saddened by what has transpired, with department officials saying they are grieving an immeasurable loss.

“This is a tragic loss for our department and our community. Out of respect for the officer’s family and loved ones, we are not releasing further details at this time. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available,” Pico said. “We ask for the community’s patience and support as we work through this difficult time together.”

Robert Cavaco, President of the State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers (SHOPO) and Nick Krau, SHOPO Maui Chapter Chair released the following joint statement on behalf of the union:

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“A Maui police officer put on their police uniform today to start their shift, protecting the lives of the public. That officer did not finish their shift; their life was stolen, cut way too short. Tonight, a family is overcome with grief, a grief that will never totally leave them. The hearts of Maui police officers break as a fellow officer, their friend, a friend who does the very same job they do every day, did not go home. The 2,700 sworn men and women of the State of Hawaiʻi Organization of Police Officers stand strong beside our brother and sister officers of the Maui Police Department. Too many of us have been here before. Our hearts and our prayers are with our officer’s family; they will forever be part of our SHOPO family, a family that will not let the memory of their loved one fade or their ultimate sacrifice be made in vain.”

Baldwin Avenue above Pāʻia Town was closed overnight while police conducted an investigation.  The road closure went into effect at 9:26 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 while an active police investigation is underway.

This is a developing story. This post will be updated as further information becomes available.