Statement from Mayor Blangiardi on the Lindani Myeni Case 

News Release from Office of the Mayor, July 30, 2025

HONOLULU – The following is a statement from Mayor Rick Blangiardi in response to the judge’s ruling in the Lindani Myeni case:

“I am pleased that the court affirmed the City’s position that the officers involved did not act out of malice in the death of Lindani Myeni. From the beginning, this has been a deeply painful and emotional matter for everyone involved.

No legal decision can undo the loss experienced by the Myeni family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to them.

Nonetheless, I stand by these officers and all of the men and women of the Honolulu Police Department whose jobs protecting our community place them in difficult, often times life-threatening situations.”

The following is a statement from Deputy Corporation Counsel William Kaina Awong, lead counsel for the City:  

“We are extremely gratified by the Court’s dismissal of all claims because after seven days of testimony, there was absolutely no evidence of officer malice. The officers acted in accordance with HPD policy and within the bounds of the law as they were trained to do while risking their lives and suffering life-changing injuries.”

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Hawaii judge dismisses wrongful death lawsuit in Myeni shooting

AP July 30, 2025:

… Honolulu attorneys had recommended paying $1.5 million to settle the lawsuit last year, but it never went to a vote before the full city council and the case went to trial.

Trial started July 14 and testimony included Myeni’s widow, Lindsay Myeni, taking the stand, according to her lawyers. Plaintiffs rested their case Friday.

The city filed a motion for dismissal that same day, arguing that no evidence was presented showing that the officers acted with malice and are immune from liability.

Judge Karin Holma granted the motion Tuesday, according to court records.

Her ruling came after seven days of testimony including video of the incident showing an officer “hiding behind a flashlight and refusing to say he was a police officer,” according to a statement from lawyers representing Myeni's widow.

“While we wish the jury could have decided this, at least the appellate court can now review the record," attorney James Bickerton said in the statement.

A mistrial would have also been possible in the case because three jurors were sick with Covid, said another Myeni attorney, Bridget Morgan-Bickerton.

According to an addendum to Myeni’s autopsy report, which was obtained by The Associated Press in 2023, Myeni was a former professional rugby player who suffered from a degenerative brain disease often found in football players and other athletes subjected to repeated head trauma.

Brain tissue was sent to the Boston University CTE Center, which found Myeni suffered from stage three chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Commonly known as CTE, the disease can only be diagnosed posthumously….

Read … Hawaii judge dismisses wrongful death lawsuit in shooting of unarmed Black man - ABC News

SA: Case dismissed against city in fatal shooting of Lindani Myeni

HNN: Judge says city not liable in deadly shooting of former rugby player

CB: Judge Stops Trial In Police Shooting Lawsuit Before It Goes To Jury - Honolulu Civil Beat