In the quiet town of Paia, Maui, a night of routine response turned into an unthinkable tragedy on August 15, 2025, leaving a community in mourning and a police department grappling with profound loss. Maui police officer Suzanne O, a five-year veteran known for her radiant smile and unwavering dedication, was fatally shot while responding to a chilling call near the Paia Sugar Mill. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Clembert Kaneholani, now faces a litany of charges, including first-degree murder, as the island reels from a wound that cuts deep.
The incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. under the cover of darkness, when a distressed caller reported an unknown individual trespassing on their property, firing a weapon believed to be a rifle. Officer Suzanne O, alongside her fellow officers, arrived at the scene to confront the danger head-on. What they encountered was a volatile situation that escalated in an instant. Kaneholani, allegedly armed and unrelenting, opened fire, striking Officer O in the chest. Despite desperate life-saving efforts, the vibrant officer, who had earned praise for her professionalism and compassion, succumbed to her injuries, marking the first shooting death of a Maui police officer in nearly seven decades.
Suzanne O was more than a badge; she was a beacon of light in her community. A hero during the Lahaina wildfire, she was celebrated for her courage and selflessness, qualities that defined her five years of service with the Maui Police Department. “She had such a big heart, such a beautiful smile, and was always willing to help people,” said Lt. Nick Crau, SHOPO Maui Chapter Chair. “She loved serving the community and died for it.” Her loss has left a void, with colleagues and residents alike grappling with the weight of her sacrifice. Maui Mayor Richard Bissen called her a “true hero who dedicated her life to serving others with courage and honor.”
Clembert Kaneholani, now in custody and held without bail, faces a slew of serious charges: first-degree murder for Officer O’s death, second-degree attempted murder, and two counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition. The suspect, shot by responding officers during the confrontation, is receiving medical treatment while under guard. The Maui Police Department has released body camera footage and photos from the incident, offering a glimpse into the chaotic moments that led to the tragedy, though the investigation remains ongoing, with charges still pending formal filing.
The Paia Sugar Mill, once a symbol of the town’s industrial past, now stands as the backdrop to a heartrending chapter in Maui’s history. “Our department is hurting bad,” Lt. Crau admitted, his voice heavy with grief. “But we’re not broken.” The community, too, feels the sting of loss in a place where bonds run deep. “We’re a smaller department, a smaller community, and we genuinely care about each other,” Crau added. “We live and die for each other.”
As the Maui Police Department mourns, they call on the community to honor Officer O’s legacy. “She served her community better than anyone could possibly serve,” Crau said. “Please don’t ever forget her.” The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily, often under the weight of public scrutiny. “You’re out there risking your life for people who half the time don’t even like you,” Crau reflected. Yet, for Officer Suzanne O, that duty was a calling—one she answered with grace until her final moments.
In the days ahead, Maui will come together to grieve, to heal, and to remember a woman who gave everything for the island she loved. Her sacrifice will not be forgotten, etched into the heart of a community that vows to carry her light forward.
