Former HPD officer faces trial over assault

The alleged victim describes the alleged attack on Hotel Street

A former Honolulu police officer contends he struck a man in self-defense during a confrontation outside police headquarters shortly after the man was released from police custody.

Hilarion A. Oliva, a 20-year veteran who left the department last August, went on trial yesterday before District Judge Rhonda Nishimura, charged with misdemeanor third-degree assault.

He is accused of striking Levi Ka'ai, once in the space between his eyes, causing a bleeding gash that required at least 11 stitches.

Ka'ai testified yesterday that he had just been released from custody and was putting his shoes on next to his friend's truck on Hotel Street behind police headquarters when Oliva pulled out of the parking garage and parked nearby.

Oliva allegedly approached and said something to the effect, "Here I am, no more badge, no more gun," and began taunting him to fight.

Oliva had arrested him earlier that morning on Pohukaina Street while he and friends were hanging out and drinking in the bed of a friend's truck. He was arrested for having an open container in the car and that was when Oliva began taunting him about being a "wise ass" and being "tough."

Oliva apparently became angry when he asked Ka'ai how old he was and Ka'ai answered, "You have my ID in front of you."

Ka'ai said Oliva appeared angry at his response and ordered him down from the truck, cursing at him, saying he was going to jail.

Ka'ai said he had no intention of getting arrested again and told Oliva. But just as he looked away, Oliva punched him in the face, causing him to bleed profusely.

Oliva then jumped on him and began attacking him as Ka'ai's friends watched. Ka'ai's friends called 911 to report the incident and managed to take several digital photos of the incident but not the punch.