City Council postpones decision on proposed $1.5 million settlement over fatal police shooting

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Honolulu City Council on Wednesday postponed a vote to approve a proposed $1.5 million settlement related to the 2021 shooting of a former South Africa rugby player by an officer.

The postponement comes after hours of testimony at Kapolei Hale, where more than 40 officers gathered in protest.

On April 14, 2021, three officers responded to a call reporting a home invasion in Nuuanu. They confronted 29-year-old Lindani Myeni, who police said had attacked the officers at night.

A lawsuit filed by Myeni’s family said officers failed to provide identification, blinded him with flashlights and escalated the situation to the point where Myeni felt he had to defend himself.

According to police, Myeni injured three officers and shot an officer who shot him once. A second officer fired three times while Myeni lay on the ground with the first officer.

He was taken to hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead.

Myeni family attorney Jim Bickerton told council members that Myeni’s wife, who was in attendance, “wants healing and peace for everyone above all else.” I can tell you that is a very high priority for her, not just for herself and her family, but for the city, for the officials, for the entire community. The eyes of the entire world were, and still are, on this case.”

After a two-month investigation, Honolulu District Attorney Steve Alm released the officers.

He told council members Wednesday the shooting was justified.

“My office is not a rubber stamp for HPD. We’ve charged officers with things before. We even tried to charge a police officer with murder and attempted murder, and we take every case very seriously,” Alm said.

“In this case, they acted appropriately, such that this officer’s actions were justified during our investigation as self-defense, defense of others and use of force in law enforcement,” Alm said.

Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan said, “I believe we did nothing wrong.”

From the time the officers arrived there, “15 seconds passed before they were attacked. That’s not enough time for CIT (Crisis Intervention Team), you know, de-escalation,” Logan added. “CIT would not have helped in this matter and that is why I firmly believe that we stand behind our officers, their actions and what they did.”

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said he believes the matter should be brought to court.

“I stand firmly and unequivocally behind the police on this issue,” he told the council by phone. “I have been fully briefed on the evidence of the case in several sessions and I stand on that side and I want to ensure that my voice is heard in this matter in relation to my position and office. “That is what I do recommend.”

Dana Viola, business counsel for the city and county of Honolulu, stood by her recommendation for a settlement, noting that the city’s civil liability is very different from criminal culpability.

“We moderated a mock jury and worked with a settlement judge and a mediator. “So after evaluating all the evidence, everything we’ve studied for three years, we do a risk analysis and then try to figure out what would be in the best interest of the city and the defendants and officers in this case,” Viola said.

“I respect the positions of mayor, police chief and district attorney, but they have very different responsibilities that do not require them to engage in the core process required by law,” she said.

Previous stories

• Over chief’s opposition, city offers $1.5 million settlement in police shooting case Oct 7, 2024
• Ex-Rugby Player Lindani Myeni, Fatally Shot by HPD, Had Severe CTE, Autopsy Shows February 10, 2023
• City prosecutor says fatal police shooting of Lindani Myeni was justified, no charges will be filed – June 30, 2021
• New bodycam video shows bizarre encounter before fatal police shooting in Nuuanu Oct 12, 2021
• GRAPHIC: Lawyer for family of man fatally shot by police in Nuuanu releases new video – June 15, 2021
• ‘I want answers’: Widow of man fatally shot by police in Nuuanu files wrongful death lawsuit – April 22, 2021
• The city investigated the Nuuanu home where seven fatal police shootings took place because of complaints – April 20, 2021
• HPD releases audio recording of 911 call that led to fatal police shooting of 29-year-old man in Nuuanu May 1, 2021
• GRAPHIC: HPD releases bodycam footage of police shooting in Nuuanu that leaves man dead – April 17, 2021
• Widow of man fatally shot by police tries to piece together his final moments April 16, 2021

Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.