MPD honors Officer O as department rallies for crime bill’s passage
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The Maui Police Department came out in force Monday, with uniformed officers lining up in front of Lahaina Cannery Mall to honor Officer Suzanne O, a beloved member of the department and Maui community who was killed in the line of duty one year ago.
"To be able to rally together one year later, and you see the amount of people that are here on the first day of doing this, it makes me really proud," Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said as more officers filed into the mall's parking lot. "It makes me really proud to be a member of this community. It makes me really proud to be a member of this department."
Numbering in the dozens, police lined the Honoapiilani Highway with signs in hand to remember their co-worker and friend and to call on Hawaii lawmakers to pass legislation named in her honor.
Pelletier said that as the department approached the one-year anniversary of Officer O's death, Maui police began talking about ways they could honor her and renew efforts to get the legislation passed. For Pelletier, Monday's turnout spoke volumes.
"It really goes to show what really does matter when you think about the sacrifice that Suzanne made, but more importantly, what she represented and what law enforcement is here for -- and that’s to make a difference," Pelletier said.
As the chief spoke, numerous drivers passed behind him, waving, throwing shakas and honking their horns.
"It’s to really fight evil, go after criminals and make people safe," Pelletier continued. "You think about the fact that she laid her life down for that -- it’s not insignificant."
The police chief promised that the department is "going to be relentless" in its effort to get the bill across the finish line. "We should have laws on the books that go after violent felons, and that’s what we’re talking about," Pelletier said.
Senate Bill 2575, named "The Suzanne O Bill," sought to increase penalties for several firearms offenses, including possession of a firearm or ammunition by a person subject to certain protective or restraining orders.
Maui Police Department officers and supporters line Honoapiilani Highway outside Lahaina Cannery Mall on Monday to honor Officer Suzanne O and rally support for legislation named in her honor. Eli Pace/The Maui News
The bill also proposed increased penalties for carrying a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance. However, the measure failed to make it out of committee during the last legislative session.
On Aug. 15, 2025, Officer O was shot and killed while searching a dark field for an armed suspect at the old Paia Sugar Mill off Baldwin Avenue. Officers had been called to the location on a report of a man firing gunshots at the property's caretaker.
Police body camera footage shows officers scanning the field with flashlights when the fatal shot rang out. The bullet struck Officer O in the chest and under her left arm. Despite lifesaving measures, she died at the scene.
Police returned fire, striking the suspect, later identified as Clembert Kaneholani, 39, in his left hip and causing minor injuries. Kaneholani was taken into custody and is currently being held without bond while he awaits trial.
Kaneholani had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. He also had been served with a temporary restraining order two days before the shooting that forced him to leave his home and barred him from contact with his children.
Prosecutors have alleged that Kaneholani's anger over the restraining order was his motive for killing Officer O. In recorded jail telephone calls, Kaneholani spoke of wanting to kill police after the order was issued.
"Currently, there’s a lot more teeth in the federal system," Pelletier said of the way the laws have been written. "But you're prohibited as an ex-felon from having a firearm, and if you use that firearm in the commission of a violent felony, it’s my opinion and the opinion of all of law enforcement in the state -- and I would actually argue probably nationally -- that those individuals they should be going away to prison for quite some time."
Maui Police Department officers wave to passing motorists while holding signs honoring Officer Suzanne O during a sign-waving event Monday outside the Lahaina Cannery Mall. Officers gathered to mark the one-year anniversary of Officer O's death and build support for legislation named in her honor. Eli Pace/The Maui News
While marking the one-year anniversary of Officer O's death, Pelletier said members of the department are also preparing themselves emotionally for the trial of the man accused of killing her, which is scheduled to begin Sept. 14.
Pelletier said the proceedings will reopen deep wounds for members of the department who worked alongside Officer O.
Monday's Lahaina gathering was the first in a series of sign-waving events this week across Maui County intended to honor O and build support for the legislation.
The campaign took officers to Molokai on Tuesday and Lanai today. Police are scheduled to gather again Thursday at Hana Highway and Hauoli Road in Hana, with another event planned for Saturday at the Wailuku Police Station.
Police have welcomed community members to join in the sign-waving events or drive by to show their support. Those participating are encouraged to bring their own signs in support of the bill.
"Every show of support helps amplify an important message: Officer Suzanne O’s sacrifice will never be forgotten, and together we can help create a safer Hawaii for everyone," the department said.
Maui Police Officer Suzanne O. Photo courtesy MPD