Maui police chief accused of leaving scene after hitting parked motorcycle

Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu apparently hit a parked motorcycle in a Kahului shopping center parking lot and then left the scene without stopping.

The incident was detailed in a news release posted Wednesday on the county website describing an anonymous letter sent to the Maui Police Department demanding the chief’s retirement by Dec. 1 or else a letter would be sent to the County Council, Police Commission, Mayor Michael Victorino, the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers union and media outlets citing mistreatment of his employees and a vehicle accident in which he left the scene.

The MPD news release also pointed out that a video was posted on the internet Wednesday titled “Maui Police Department — Chief of Police — Hit and Run”

MPD said an investigation found that at about 5 p.m. Nov. 7, the male owner reported his motorcycle had been damaged on the rear fender while it was parked at Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center.

A review of the surveillance footage revealed a white truck reversing into the motorcycle before driving away, the release said. The footage showed the license plate number, and the driver of the truck was later identified as Faaumu.

According to the release, Faaumu provided a statement and other documentation for the accident report.

The damage to both vehicles was estimated at less than $3,000, the MPD release said.

A Maui Police Department spokesperson could not be immediately reached for further information.

But the news release ended this way: “This is a reminder that accident(s) can happen anytime and with anyone. Please drive safely. Maui Police Department will continue (to) serve and protect the people of Maui County, investigate cases, and hold all personnel accountable. Rest assure Maui Police Department is committed, if further investigation into this incident is warranted, it will be done.”

Faaumu was named police chief in 2014 and has been with MPD for 35 years.