Dispute between neighbors leaves 4 people dead, 2 critically hurt in Waianae Valley
WAIANAE, Hawaii (KHON) – A deadly incident unfolded in Waianae Valley last night, leaving four people dead and two others critically injured.
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The violence erupted from a neighborhood dispute, according to Honolulu Police.
The chaos began just after 11:15 p.m. on Aug. 31 when police responded to multiple 911 calls from a residence where a family gathering was taking place.
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Homicide Lieutenant Deena Thoemmes reported that the calls described a neighbor using a front loader—a type of heavy construction machinery—to ram multiple cars into the home.
“Multiple individuals were in the carport and fled or tried to flee when the suspect opened fire, striking the victims,” said Thoemmes during a press conference held on Sunday.
During the incident, a 42-year-old male resident of the home fatally shot the suspect, who was his neighbor.
“Upon arrival, officers immediately assessed all injured parties. Five victims sustained gunshot wounds; tragically, three of the five victims did not survive,” said Thoemmes.
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The deceased victims were three women aged 36, 34 and 29.
Honolulu Emergency Medical Services, once cleared by HPD, transported a 31-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman to the hospital in critical condition.
“The 42-year-old male resident who shot the suspect has been arrested for murder in the second degree,” said Thoemmes.
Further investigation revealed that the front loader operated by the suspect was carrying four 55-gallon drums filled with an unknown fuel.
Witnesses reported that the suspect had fired shots into the drums.
The Honolulu Fire Department’s Hazmat team was called in to safely remove the drums.
Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan emphasized that the shooting was not a random act but a targeted incident stemming from a dispute between neighbors.
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“I just want to say and reassure the members of Waianae and Nanakuli/Maili areas that the Honolulu Police Department continues to work in those areas, continues to provide law enforcement officers with our federal and state partners, and we continue to work in that area to help reduce gun violence crimes that we promised to do several weeks ago.”
Authorities confirmed that police had responded to a similar incident involving the same neighbor in 2023.
“I believe they had an incident in 2023. It was an argument, some type of disagreement with the neighbors,” said Thoemmes.
As the investigation continues, police are conducting witness interviews, reviewing surveillance footage and collecting evidence.
Chief Logan urged the community to collaborate with law enforcement to tackle gun violence in Leeward Oahu.
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“We encourage you to continue that as the Honolulu Police Department works with all of you, our community leaders, the community members themselves, and elected officials to come up with solutions to solve the gun violence problem in that area. How can we better work together to resolve those issues and concerns?”
The investigation is ongoing.
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