Protesters accuse police of excessive force after incident
Protesters complained that police used excessive force Thursday after an incident that left 39-year-old David “Kai” Prais unconscious on the road during a protest against a convoy of telescope materials headed to the summit of Haleakala early Wednesday morning.
Witnesses at the scene alleged that an officer had his knee pressed against Prais’ face, and that Prais said he couldn’t breathe before going unconscious. But police said Prais “struggled with officers,” who were forced to restrain and handcuff him. Police arrested six people, including Prais, during the protest.
Paramedics took Prais to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he was evaluated and released into police custody, according to Maui Police Department spokesman Lt. Gregg Okamoto.
Protesters said Thursday that they were frustrated not only with how police physically handled Prais, but also how long it took for him to receive medical attention.
Read more: http://www.mauinews.com/news/local-news/2017/08/protesters-accuse-police-of-excessive-force-after-incident/