Officer James K. Keonaona

Officer James K. Keonaona | Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii
Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii
Officer James K. Keonaona

Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii

End of Watch Wednesday, August 8, 1923

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James K. Keonaona

Officer James Keonaona was shot and killed by a prison escapee near the Honouliuli Internment Camp.

The prisoner had been serving a murder sentence in the Oahu prison but had escaped in 1921. Officer Keonaona saw the man walk past his house in the morning as he walked to his outhouse. Seeing the man, he ran back inside, grabbed his gun, and confronted him.

Upon being told he was under arrest, the man asked to smoke a cigarette and Officer Keonaona said he could. The man reached inside his shirt but instead pulled out a handgun and shot Officer Keonaona in the face, killing him instantly. Officer Keonaona's wife witnessed the shooting.

The man fled but was arrested approximately two hours later. He was subsequently hanged at the prison on Oahu on October 26th, 1923.

Bio

  • Age 43
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Executed in 1923

escapee, warrant service

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Officer Keanaona,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Honolulu.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 8, 2023

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