U.S. Marshals offer reward in manhunt for alleged cop killer

UPDATED 1:13 p.m. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is also offering up to a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Justin Joshua Waiki, whom police say shot and killed Hawaii Police Department Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa Tuesday night.

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UPDATED 9:52 a.m.: Gov. David Ige has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaii state flag be flown at half-staff at the state capitol and upon all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaii National Guard until sunset Friday. This action is taken to honor Hawaii Police Department Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Tuesday night.

“Our entire state mourns the loss of Officer Kaliloa, a man who dedicated his life to his family and his community. He sacrificed all to protect the community he loved. Dawn and I send our deepest condolences to his ohana.” Gov. Ige said.

The governor has also ordered that the flags be lowered on the day of Officer Kaliloa’s memorial service. Another flag notice will be issued when memorial plans are finalized.

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The U.S. Marshals Service today announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and capture of Justin Joshua Waiki.

According to police, Waiki fatally shot Hawaii Police Department Officer Bronson K. Kaliloa Tuesday night on the roadside of Highway 11 in Mountain View and has been on the run from authorities since the incident.

Hawaii Police have organized a task force that operating 24-hours a day following up on tips and information regarding the whereabouts Waiki.

The U.S. Marshals service says it “immediately offered assistance to the Hawaii Police Department” and said U.S. Marshals have been on the ground in Hilo since. It’s the second federal law enforcement agency to offer a $10,000 reward for the capture of the 33-year-old Waiki, a Big Island resident whose last known address was in Las Vegas. The FBI offered a $10,000 reward Wednesday.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Officer Kaliloa, Chief Ferreira, and the devoted officers of the Hawaii Police Department,” Acting U.S. Marshal Gary Yandell for the District of Hawaii said in a statement. “The men and woman of the U.S. Marshals Service stand ready and committed to support your department in any way possible and to help bring Officer Kaliloa’s killer to justice.

“As a longtime law enforcement partner, the unnecessary death of Officer Kaliloa is also a loss to the U.S. Marshals Service and is felt agency-wide. We will persevere and be there with your department until the end.”

Waiki is described as 5-foot-11-inches tall and about 145 pounds, with a neck tattoo. When last seen, he was wearing a white T-shirt and dark jacket.

Waiki is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information his whereabouts is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311, Crime Stoppers at 961-8300, or the Marshals Service at (800) 336-0102.

Email John Burnett at jburnett@hawaiitribune-herald.com.