Maui officers who shot man are cleared, back at work

KAHULUI » Two Wailuku patrol officers involved in a shootout in June that left a suspect dead have returned to work at full duty.

Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu said he received a letter from the Maui County prosecutor’s office notifying him that the Maui Police Department was cleared of any criminal act in the deadly shooting, according to the Maui News.

"After reviewing all the reports, no one named in the reports will be criminally prosecuted," Maui County Prosecuting Attorney John D. Kim said Wednesday.

The shooting occurred June 13 when police recognized the passenger of a vehicle as Shawn Akamine, 46, who was wanted on a warrant. Akamine got out of the vehicle and shot at officers.

Police said the officers returned fire and struck Akamine, who then shot himself. Akamine was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he later died.

Faaumu said the officers were following their training when they confronted the fugitive. "The officers’ responses to the threat was justified," he said.

Three other officers involved in a fatal shooting Aug. 5 in Kahului were also expected back at work on restricted duty this week, according to Assistant Chief Victor Ramos. Those officers were involved in the death of Raymond Hodge, 39, in Keopuolani Park. He was shot about 11 times. Police are continuing an attempted-murder investigation against Hodge as well as an internal investigation into the officer-involved shooting.