Robert Rhoda was found shot in the chest at a sixth-floor unit of the Waikalani Woodlands apartments Wednesday afternoon. He later died at Wahiawa General Hospital.

Three other people were inside the apartment with Rhoda. Police later arrested the renter of the apartment, a 20-year-old man, on suspicion of second-degree murder.

The renter, who police say told them he was dishonorably discharged from the Army, has not been charged, said Lt. Bill Kato of the Honolulu Police Department. Kato, a homicide detective, said he didn't foresee any more arrests.

Police said the renter refused to provide a statement to investigators, while other witnesses gave conflicting statements on what led to the shooting. One witness said an argument sparked the shooting, Kato said.

"The question is if the shooting was intentional or an accident," Kato said. "We need to talk to more people."

Kato said police interviewed three witnesses and planned to interview about five more people before determining a motive in the shooting. Yesterday, police returned to the apartment to look for evidence that would collaborate the accounts of witnesses.

"We're only now processing the scene," Kato said. "A lot of times, the scene will tell us a lot of things."

Needle exchange relocation backed

The Downtown Neighborhood Board said last night that it supported the idea of a state van dispensing clean syringes and condoms, but members said the van should move from its Kukui Street location.

The van is operated by the Community Health Outreach Worker program and allows drug users to exchange used needles for clean ones. It also hands out condoms. The program is intended to prevent the spread of HIV and other diseases.

Residents complained that the van, parked daily except Sunday between Nu'uanu Avenue and Maunakea Street, attracts drug dealers, addicts and prostitutes.

The neighborhood board last night supported a motion requesting the Department of Health keep the van mobile and to move it to various downtown areas.