Man found guilty of first-degree murder in Maui police officer's death

Oct 09, 2026

A Maui jury convicted Clembert Alii Kaneholani of first-degree murder for shooting and killing police officer Suzanne Oh, a landmark outcome for prosecutors and a hard one for the officer's family.

  • All 12 jurors agreed the killing was intentional, rejecting the defense's push for a lesser manslaughter conviction.
  • Kaneholani stood without visible emotion as the verdict was read; the courtroom gallery filled with hugs and tears.
  • This is the first conviction in Maui County under the state law covering the killing of police officers, prosecutors, and judges.
  • That charge carries life in prison with no chance of parole, compared with a 20-year maximum for manslaughter.
  • Oh's family said they are grateful for the verdict but it does not bring her back.

Outlook: Sentencing comes next, with life without parole the expected penalty.

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