The video released of the Honolulu Police Department officers contacting Lindani Myeni shows the officers did not announce themselves before pointing their guns at him, shining flashlights and demanding that he get down on the ground.
Hawaii law states it is illegal for an officer to use force unless and until the officer tells the person the reason for an arrest. That did not happen here.
Hawaii ACLU noted Hawaii law requires a police officer to announce that they are officers of the law before or at the time of arrest.
Requiring police officers to follow these Hawaii laws might just defuse some tense situations involving citizens without guns.
The City Council should have reiterated this policy of law enforcement by signing the negotiated settlement in this case. By not doing so, the Council fosters a pattern allowing police to unlawfully detain and kill citizens on suspicion of nonviolent infractions.
Andre Wooten
Punchbowl
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
In the spirit of this season, take a moment to count your blessings. Recent times might’ve been tough — politically, economically or otherwise — but surely there are positives.
Here’s your chance to reflect on what you appreciate. Today through Dec. 9, we’ll be accepting “Count Your Blessings” letters (150 words max) or essays (500-600 words). A collection of these will run in mid-December.
Email to letters@staradvertiser.com; or send to 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 2, room 200, Honolulu 96813, c/o Letters.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser welcomes all opinions. Want your voice to be heard? Submit a letter to the editor.
>> Write us: We welcome letters up to 150 words, and guest columns of 500-600 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and length. Include your name, address and daytime phone number.
>> Mail: Letters to the Editor, Honolulu Star-Advertiser 7 Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana, Suite #7-500 Honolulu, HI 96813
>> Contact: 529-4831 (phone), letters@staradvertiser.com, staradvertiser.com/editorial/submit-letter
