The Maui community is mourning the loss of Officer Suzanne O, who was fatally shot last Friday night while responding to an incident near Paia’s old sugar mill. The Maui Police Department shared in a social media post that Officer O was a five-year veteran and highlighted her service to the department and community. During the incident, the suspect was also shot and taken into custody.
Officer O was appreciated for her dedication and lauded for her bravery, particularly noted for her compassionate approach to law enforcement. According to a recruitment video highlighted by KITV, Officer O herself spoke of the need for compassion in the field, saying, "You have to be compassionate. In this line, there's no black and white as to how you're going to proceed with how to handle a situation. So you have to have some type of compassion when you go in."
The late officer, whose career began with the Maui Police Department in 2020, built a reputation for professionalism and was admired for her willingness to support her colleagues beyond her duties. Officer O received the Certificate of Merit for her actions during the August 8 wildfires.
As the case against the alleged assailant proceeds, the department has yet to release the suspect's name, who remains in custody according to prior reporting from Hoodline.
In response to the fatal shooting, State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers Maui Chapter Chair Nick Krau told KITV, "There is absolutely no reason why this has to happen. There is always another way to solve your problems." Officer O is recorded as the third Maui officer killed in the line of duty and noted as a woman in law enforcement.
Funeral and memorial service details for Officer O have not been finalized, and information will be provided to the public when available.
