Posted at 12:22 p.m., Tuesday, December 11, 2001

Maui officer shot himself, police say

Advertiser Staff

WAILUKU, Maui — The Maui Police Department today identified the gunman who shot a patrolman in West Maui last week — and it turns out it was the officer himself.

Maui Police Chief Thomas Phillips said investigators believe Donald B. Nakooka fired a separate 9mm handgun into his Kevlar vest at a different location and then drove himself to the scene of the supposed crime and staged the shooting.

Phillips said the 10-year veteran, who was suffering from "personal issues,'' had not been charged, and the investigation is continuing. Phillips said detectives became suspicious because of inconsistent statements and evidence.

Contacted at his Upcountry home, Nakooka said he would not comment at this time.

Nakooka had told investigators that he had pulled over a sedan on the Honoapi'ilani Highway between Office Road and D.T. Fleming Park in Kapalua Tuesday afternoon, and as the officer approached the vehicle, the man in the car fired a shot, then drove toward Lahaina.

Nakooka was treated for bruises and other minor injuries at Maui Memorial Medical Center, but is now resting at his home.