The Honolulu Police Department has seen a surge in assaults against its officers, with three separate incidents occurring within a matter of hours. As reported by Hawaii News Now, the string of violence began last Thursday when a 43-year-old man was detained for attacking an officer in Waianae after police responded to a misleading call about a pedestrian crash.
The second incident involved 31-year-old Xiang Wang, charged for assaulting a Honolulu Police officer and harassment, following a confrontation in Kalihi on Friday just after midnight. KITV detailed the altercation, stating Wang “allegedly pushed a Honolulu Police officer and punched another in the face,” during a domestic disturbance response.
These assaults come amid increased scrutiny over the safety of law enforcement personnel, with the interim Chief Rade Vanic remarking on the alarming 20% rise in attacks on officers from January to October this year compared with the same period in 2024. The chief described the trend as deeply concerning, indicating a social undercurrent that perhaps goes beyond individual incidents…