KAILUA-KONA — A new trial date has been set for the Kailua-Kona man accused of attempted murder of a Hawaii Police Department officer in what prosecutors have called a racially motivated attack.
Shannon Kaleolani Ke was deemed fit to proceed to trial Thursday by Circuit Court Judge Robert D.S. Kim. The judge based the ruling on the findings of three doctors who agreed unanimously the man is fit.
He is now set to stand trial starting Jan. 14, 2020, on charges of first-degree attempted murder with the enhancement of a hate crime, disorderly conduct, two counts of first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest in connection with a March 26 incident fronting Huggo’s On The Rocks in the Kailua Village area.
Ke, who’s entered not guilty pleas to the offenses, remains in custody in lieu of $322,000 bail.
According to police and prosecutors, Ke assaulted Hawaii Police Department Officer Randall Hancock on the shoreline fronting Huggo’s On The Rocks. Hancock and another officer had responded to the eatery around 5 p.m. to a report of a disorderly man.
While making contact with the man, identified as Ke, a confrontation ensued resulting in Hancock and Ke tumbling into the water where the altercation continued.
The officers were eventually able to take Ke into custody without further incident.
The officer allegedly assaulted by Ke was treated at Kona Community Hospital for contusions to his head and face as well as bruising to his legs.
The hate crime enhancement was filed because Ke allegedly made disparaging comments about the officer’s believed race.
During the preliminary hearing that bound the case over to Kona Circuit Court, Hancock, testified that Ke called him a “F–king haole.” He also told the court he felt he was going to die while being held under the water by Ke.