Yesterday evening, at approximately 10:00 pm, a female student reported she was physically assaulted on campus. According to the student, while walking past Sakamaki Hall on her way to her dorm, an unknown male grabbed her from behind attempting to place her in a chokehold.   The student reported she was able to break free and the offender fled on foot. The student reported the assault to Student Housing who contacted the Honolulu Police Department and DPS.  HPD has opened an investigation into this matter. Anyone having information relating to this incident, please contact HPD or DPS.  The University has placed additional security in the area of the reported assault.  The suspect is described as a male individual, either Pacific Islander or Asian, with short black hair and approximately 5’ 10” in height. Suspect was wearing a grey t-shirt and black sweatpants.

If you know anything about this assault incident or any other similar incident, please notify the UH Mānoa Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (808) 956-6911 or the Honolulu Police Department (HPD) at 911.

Please continue reading for safety tips and campus resources.

Safety Tips to Consider:

• E makaʻala – Be alert. Practice being aware and alert of your surroundings and remember that we cannot control everything around us. Every situation may be different, but being aware of warning signs can give you a head start.  Avoid distractions such as looking down at your phone while walking.
• E mālama pono – Stay safe. For example, practice encouraging friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.
• Trust your intuition, if a situation makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, choose an alternative.
• DPS provides escorts for individuals traveling across campus at night.
• Download the Mānoa Guardian app and use the Safety Timer feature to notify family, friends, or DPS staff if you are walking alone or in an unfamiliar place on campus. The safety timer acts as a virtual security escort and allows the user to set a timer for their walk across campus, send status updates, and get help instantly if needed.
• If you feel that you or others are in danger, or to report suspicious, illegal, or unusual activity on campus, call DPS at (808) 956-6911 or HPD at 911. You can also contact DPS through the Mānoa Guardian app or by using a blue light Emergency Call Box on campus