Student subdued with stun gun, arrested at Kapa‘a High School

LIHU‘E — A student was arrested after being stunned with an electronic control device by police at Kapa‘a High School on Wednesday morning.

Tumua Masaniai, 18, is a student at Kapa‘a High and was wanted in connection with a robbery case, the Kaua‘i Police Department reported. Officers arrived at the school in search of the student at about 7:30 a.m.

“This was regarding an off-campus incident and had nothing to do with the school,” Kapa‘a High School Principal Daniel Hamada said later.

Two police detectives met with the school relations officer, according to Hamada. His reports note that the student was identified before classes started outside near the cafeteria area.

According to police, more students were arriving for classes when an officer attempted to arrest Masaniai. The report states the 6-foot, 270-pound student refused to submit to repeated verbal commands.

A police spokesperson said when Masaniai reportedly threatened the officers and physically resisted attempts to handcuff him, police state he was warned that an electronic control device would be used if he did not submit. Police said he was subdued with the electrical device after continued threats were made and the student continued to resist arrest. He was reportedly standing when the instrument was used.

There were no injuries to Masaniai or the officers involved, according to the KPD statement. After the arrest he was transported to the police cellblock after a routine medical clearance at Wilcox Hospital.

Masaniai is charged with robbery, unauthorized entry into a vehicle, resisting arrest and terroristic threatening. He is currently being held in lieu of a $16,100 bond, according to police.

“It was unfortunate that this incident had to happen, but in reflection it was handled well,” Hamada said.

“Just by watching how students and staff reacted, it was good that they knew what to do and reacted appropriately to ensure that people remain safe,” he said.