Man approaches home with knife, then is shot to death by owner

[Bum]

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A man was shot to death in Ewa Beach on Friday, October 5, around 9 p.m.
According to the Honolulu Police Department, the 37-year-old victim was on the suspect’s property with a knife when the suspect opened his front door and shot him.

Man approaches home with knife, then is shot to death by owner | KHON2

Door to door Ginsu knives salesman hoping to make a late night sale?

Be interested to see how this turns out.

 

[Goshin]

Very little detail.

He was detained then released; this indicates a claim of self-defense that the authorities view as credible barring further evidence.

I am not familiar with Hawaiian particulars as to legal self-defense; in some states coming outside to shoot a knifer (rather than locking the door and calling 911) might be viewed as dubious; however there may have been prior threats or incidents not yet known to the media. Previous history of conflict/issues/threats could alter the equation a great deal.

 

[Goshin]

In my neighborhood nobody calls 911 because they heard 2 gunshots. If it was next door we might go outside and look around. If we hear 15 or 20 in a row, we wonder who just bought a new gun.

 

[Goshin]

I am reminded of an incident locally.

A homeowner noticed someone breaking into his car at night, specifically breaking open the gas cap to siphon gas. He went outside, along with his adult son who was carrying a .45 for protection, and called on the miscreant to cease and leave his property.

The aforementioned miscreant instead made threatening gestures with the screwdriver he was using to pry at the gas cap and advanced on the homeowner. The son shot him once in the chest, killing him.

The police arrived, heard the testimony of the family and neighbors, and did not charge nor detain the shooter. This is in a state with Castle Doctrine and SYG. I do not know if Hawaii affirms these principles.

I've no idea whether this relates to this particular case, simply pointing out that the homeowner may have initially left the house in response to some kind of threat against his property (or other persons outdoors?) and then shot the man when threatened.

This is just speculation on my part, as no details are yet available.

 

[Goshin]

Did a little digging, came up with this:

Hawaii’s self-defense law, outlined in HRS 703-304, allows for the use of deadly force, “if the actor believes that deadly force is necessary to protect himself against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping, rape, or forcible sodomy.” Hawaii’s law does not compel a person to retreat from “his dwelling or place of work” when threatened.