Thursday morning in Waikīkī turned violent for one Honolulu police officer, who was bitten and kicked during an arrest near the busy intersection of Kalākaua Avenue and ʻOhua Avenue. The officer suffered injuries to his hand and reported pain in other areas, officials said, and was taken to a hospital, treated, and later listed in good condition.
In a post on X, the Honolulu Police Department said officers located and arrested a suspect at about 7:41 a.m. The suspect, identified as a 60-year-old man, allegedly bit and kicked the officer multiple times during the struggle. He was taken into custody on suspicion of assault on a law enforcement officer in the first degree. The post also urged anyone with information to call 911, CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300 or submit tips through the P3 Tips app.
Officer Bitten and Kicked During Waikīkī Incident Suspect Arrested
— Honolulu Police (@honolulupolice) November 27, 2025
Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or contact CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300 or through the P3 Tips app. pic.twitter.com/9fZBaPf43K
Scene and injuries
Police at the scene described a hands-on fight that left the officer with a hand injury and general pain, consistent with being struck during the scuffle. Medics evaluated him at a hospital, and he was later released in good condition, according to officials. Officers working the intersection were able to detain the suspect without any further reported incidents and carried out standard processing at the scene.
What the charge carries
Assaulting a law enforcement officer in the first degree is a felony under Hawaii law and comes with serious consequences. As outlined in HRS §707-712.5, the offense is a class C felony with a sentencing framework that can include an indeterminate prison term of five years or five years of probation with a mandatory jail term. Prosecutors will review the Honolulu Police Department's referral before any formal charges are filed.
How to help
The Honolulu Police Department again appealed to the public for help. Honolulu Police Department reminded residents that tips can be called in to 911 or CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300, or submitted through the P3 Tips app. Investigators said that video or photos from the area could be particularly useful to the ongoing case.
Local context
Attacks on officers during arrests are not unheard of in Waikīkī. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Hawaii News Now have documented previous incidents in which suspects allegedly bit or struck officers while being detained, underscoring the risks police face during street arrests in the district.
