The city council in Honolulu has approved a substantial payout of $1 million to resolve a lawsuit brought by the family of a teenager shot dead by police in 2021. The case, which occurred during a period of intense national scrutiny of police conduct, has also cast a stark light on underlying racism directed at Micronesian communities in Hawaii.
A Fatal Chase and a $1 Million Resolution
On Wednesday, 4 December 2025, Honolulu's governing body authorised the financial settlement for the family of Iremamber Sykap, who was just 16 years old when he was killed. The fatal incident took place in 2021. Police stated at the time that Sykap was behind the wheel of a stolen Honda vehicle connected to a series of crimes, including burglary and armed robbery, and had led officers on a pursuit.
The family's legal representative, attorney Eric Seitz, revealed that had the lawsuit proceeded to trial, they would have sought general damages ranging from $8 million to $10 million. He argued the outcome would have been favourable, stating that "shooting a kid in the back of the head eight times when he wasn't armed, he didn't pose any threat to the police officers, is very likely to have really upset a lot of jurors."
The Pervasive "Undercurrent of Racism"
Seitz explained the family's decision to accept a significantly lower sum was influenced by a troubling "undercurrent of racism" surrounding the case. He pointed to virulent social media commentary as evidence of prejudiced attitudes within the community.
"If you look at the social media posts about this, there are lots of things talking about 'dirty Micronesians' and 'they got what they deserved' ... which you know, is very concerning in our community," Seitz said. "But it’s there. It’s a real factor." Sykap's family originates from Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia, though he himself was born in Guam, a U.S. territory.
Official Stance and Legal Strategy
From the city's perspective, Honolulu Corporation Counsel Dana Viola advised the council that the settlement was a reasonable course of action. A key consideration was that it prevents the involved officers from having to give testimony, which could later be used against them in a potential criminal prosecution, as there is no statute of limitations for murder.
The police department, under Interim Chief Rade Vanic, expressed its support for the settlement. Mayor Rick Blangiardi also issued a statement backing the decision, emphasising support for the police force. "Our officers have served this community with professionalism and courage, and they deserve the full protection of their rights," he said. "This settlement allows the City to move forward while standing firmly in support of the men and women of the Honolulu Police Department."
The $1 million settlement closes a legal chapter but leaves enduring questions about police use of force and the treatment of Micronesian immigrants in Hawaii, issues that extend far beyond the courtroom.
