Son of HPD sergeant sentenced to life in prison for killing teenager in Tantalus

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The man convicted of killing a teenager during a 2022 Tantalus robbery was sentenced today to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

The news sparked outrage and disbelief among the family of 18-year-old Ha'aheo Kolona, ​​​​who was shot and killed by Nainoa Damon over two years ago.

Damon, now 22, must serve at least 15 years of his life sentence before he can be released on parole.

District Judge Shanlyn Park denied the state's request for an extended sentence, citing urgent letters from Damon and his family.

Before she announced her decision in the packed courtroom, members of both families talked about how their lives have changed since the Round Top Drive tragedy.

Damon sat mostly stoic as Kolona's family members asked the judge for the maximum sentence, many wearing shirts with Ha'aheo's name on them.

In a statement read in court, Kolona's mother called Kolona her “heart, her rock and her best friend” and hoped that justice could bring some measure of peace to the family.

At one point, Damon looked at the victim's father, Blake Kolona, ​​​​who was bringing his son's ashes to court, and said, “I want that man to look at my son.”

As Damon's family pleaded with the judge for mercy, he appeared moved and wiped tears from his eyes after his grandmother's speech. In her remarks, Judge Park referred to Damon's upbringing as his grandfather's caregiver.

Kolona's father believes Damon received the lighter sentence because his mother and stepfather are Honolulu police officers. Sources have told HNN that Damon does not live with his mother, Honolulu police Sergeant Jennifer Bugarin, who works for HPD's training division.

“After 15 years of good leadership, he is out. I am sorry. I am sorry for being so rude now, but this is unacceptable,” he said. “I am unhappy with the system and I question corruption 100 percent.”

Emotions ran high outside in the hallway, and Kolona's father vented his anger at Damon's lawyer and a sheriff who tried to calm him down.

“Braddah, hold my son. Hold my son. Hold him,” he said, handing the sheriff the box containing his son's ashes.

Meanwhile, Kolona's mother and Damon's grandmother were seen comforting each other and crying over the loss of their loved ones.

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