Randall Maka-alu Hatori, 39

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
February 21, 2014

Agencies: Hawaii Police Department

Cause of death: Taser


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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

Big Island Police last week said Randall Hatori died as a result of cardiac arrest not because he was tased.

But an independent autopsy obtained by Hawaii News Now said the 39-year-old Kona man's death was a homicide.

"It looked to me like he was tasered and tasered and tasered and then beaten," said Michael Green attorney for Hatori's family.

"When I get these results, it's just troubling."

Hatori died on Feb. 4 after a chase and violent arrest in which he was tased then pinned down by officers.

In a news release last week, Big Island Police said Hatori's death was also attributable an enlarged heart, his struggle with police and high levels of methamphetamine in his blood.

The word "homicide" was not mentioned.

"I'd like to say that I'm shocked by the spin but I'm not shocked by the spin .unfortunately it's a question of which way to go spin," Green said.

At the time of his arrest near the Kona Coast Shopping Center, police said Hatori was wanted for assault. His criminal record includes convictions for drug possession, family abuse and harassment.

"He wasn't somebody you would see in church three days a week but he certainly didn't deserve to die."

Basque said he couldn’t comment on how many times the Taser was used on Hatori, or whether a choke hold was employed by officers during their restraint of the fugitive.

He also clarified that the methamphetamine recovered by detectives at the scene of the struggle was not found on Hatori’s person but very close by.

Legal Action

April 2014 Taser death ruled homicide

April 2016 Civil case might not be heard before 2018

Community and Family Efforts

Press article: <http://www.civilbeat.com/2016/05/why-is-it-so-hard-to-pass-police-reform-in-hawaii/>