Hero Down: Honolulu Police Officer Bill Sapolu Succumbed To Injuries From On-Duty Crash

Sandy Malone - August 11, 2023

Honolulu, HA – Honolulu Police Department Officer Bill Sapolu died on Tuesday after succumbing to injuries sustained in an on-duty motorcycle crash he had in July.

Honolulu police said Officer Sapolu was rushing to assist a fellow officer at a weapons call on July 11 when he struck a median on his motorcycle on Farrington Highway in Kapolei and crashed, HNN reported.

Officials said Officer Sapolu was thrown from his motorcycle and sustained multiple injuries.

He was transported to a hospital for treatment and remained there until his death on Aug. 8, HNN reported.

Official Sapolu never regained consciousness and was kept in the Intensive Care Unit until his organs could be donated, according to police officials.

“Today, in his final act of service, he donated his organs to save the lives of others,” Sapolu’s family said in a statement, according to KITV.

The police department said that Officer Sapolu was a 21-year-veteran of the Honolulu police force, the Officer Down Memorial Page reported.

Solo Bike Officer Bill Sapolu passed away today due to injuries from an on-duty collision on July 11. HPD lost a brave hero today. For details, visit our Instagram, Facebook, or Nextdoor accounts. #HonoluluPD #cchnl pic.twitter.com/Q5Z09hLNlV

— Honolulu Police (@honolulupolice) August 9, 2023

He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and did four overseas deployments during his military career.

The fallen hero is survived by his wife and children, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Solo Bike Officer Bill Sapolu, who gave his life while bravely serving and protecting our community. His unwavering commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our residents is a testament to his character and selflessness,” Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said in a statement.

🚨FALLEN HERO ALERT🚨

On July 11th, 2023, Officer Bill Sapolu was responding to a weapons violation when his motorcycle hit the median. Officer Sapolu sustained injuries and ultimately lost his life. Officer Sapolu was a veteran and left behind a wife and children. pic.twitter.com/HazwT3P1xQ

— LawEnforcementToday (@LawEnforceToday) August 10, 2023

“We mourn alongside his family, friends and fellow HPD officers during this difficult time,” Mayor Blangiardi continued. “We must remember and honor his sacrifice by continuing to support and appreciate the courageous men and women who put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as they navigate through this heartbreaking loss.”

🔹 Blessed Are The Peacemakers 🔹

Officer Bill Sapolu

Honolulu Police Department, Hawaii

EOW: Tuesday, August 8, 2023#EnoughIsEnough #OfficerDown #EOW #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/siqJ6B8yAj

— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) August 10, 2023

RIP. Hawaii Police Officer Bill Sapolu succumbed to his injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on July 11, 2023 while responding to a call for backup. #rip #hero #PoliceOfficerBillSapolu #HonoluluPoliceDepartment #thinblueline #bluelivesmatter #eow #becarefuloutthere pic.twitter.com/AABuk1z9q3

— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) August 10, 2023