Laulusa inquiry
details shooting

The killing at Palolo Valley Housing
by police has sparked heated debate

By Rod Ohira
Star-Bulletin

Rodney Laulusa was armed with two long fishing knives and 10 feet away from police when three officers opened fire, killing him Jan. 22 at Palolo Valley Housing.

An internal criminal investigation on the shooting that has sparked community debate notes that 20 rounds were fired and that Laulusa was shot 14 times. The report will be submitted to prosecutors later this week for review.

Police earlier determined that Laulusa's blood-alcohol content was 0.04, which is half the level at which a motorist can be charged with drunken driving.

Internal Affairs Lt. Greg Poole, in charge of the criminal investigation, says police lab technicians are reviewing the medical examiner's report to determine whether Laulusa was under the influence of drugs when he was shot.

The 9mm Smith & Wesson Model 5906, the police service weapon, uses a 15-round clip with one bullet already in the chamber. It has a double-action trigger that makes it easier to fire after the first shot.

Laulusa was armed with identical fishing knives that had 8-inch blades and 5-inch handles.

The criminal report does not include statements by the three officers -- ages 49, 46 and 31, who have a total of 33 years of HPD experience. They declined to be interviewed by investigators, which is the legal right of any citizen.

Poole said the report includes witness statements from more than 30 civilians.

But unlike the fatal shooting on New Year's Day at Mayor Wright Housing that involved off-duty officer Teneri Maafala, which was ruled to be justified, there are differing witness accounts of the Palolo Valley shooting.

"As consistent as Mayor Wright was, this one is not," Poole said. "What is consistent is, yes, (Laulusa) did have knives and, yes, the officers did warn him to put down the weapons."

But it's inconsistent as to what the suspect did, based on the wording used by witnesses, he said."Some said he 'moved forward' or 'charged' while others said he did nothing," Poole said.

A lawsuit on behalf of Laulusa was filed earlier this month.

The suit, filed by attorney James Krueger, stated: "Some of the gunshot wounds inflicted on Rodney Laulusa, deceased, occurred while he was falling to or lying on the ground xxx defendants did not have probable cause to believe that he had committed a crime, or otherwise presented a threat of probable harm to them, or any of them, or anyone else."

After reviewing the criminal investigation report, the Honolulu prosecuting attorney's office or an independent body, such as a grand jury, will determine whether the officers were justified in taking action to protect their own lives or public safety.

If no criminal charges are filed, the Police Department will open another independent Internal Affairs investigation to determine whether proper procedures were followed. The difference between the two investigations is that the three officers will be ordered to give statements in the administrative inquiry.

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Star-Bulletin reporter Jaymes Song contributed to this report.