Park Ranger Steve Renard Makuakane-Jarrell

Park Ranger Steve Renard Makuakane-Jarrell

United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, U.S. Government

End of Watch Sunday, December 12, 1999

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Steve Renard Makuakane-Jarrell

Park Ranger Steve Makuakane-Jarrell was shot and killed in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, Hawaii Island, Hawaii. His body was found by a visitor to the park in a brushy area, with his service weapon missing.

Ranger Makuakane-Jarrell had responded to a visitor's complaint of a man with three unleashed dogs. Upon confronting the suspect, a struggled ensued in which Ranger Makuakane-Jarrell used his pepper spray. The suspect gained control of Ranger Makuakane-Jarrell's service weapon and shot him several times, including a fatal shot while he lay on the ground, wounded.

The suspect was arrested several days later and charged with the murder of a United States Park Ranger. In 2006 the suspect was found not guilty be reason of insanity and committed to a federal mental institution.

Ranger Makuakane-Jarrell had served with the National Park Service for 15 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 47
  • Tour 15 years
  • Badge 160

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Hawaii
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Committed

EDP

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I responded as a paramedic on that day, a former police officer turned fire fighter, Mike Hill was with with and immediately recognized you,he said "Oh no! It's Steve Jarrel.....". What a devastating senseless, loss to the world, your family has suffered. You would be proud to know I had the honor of meeting your daughter (sorry I forgot her first name) who bacame a police officer. Ironically, sadly, we responded to a call near white sands beach where unfortunately a father was killed by his estranged son. I never met you but Mike said you were a really nice guy. I commend you for your service I still mourn for your family but hope they have all faired well since. I will never forget you or your name.

Kel Kunitomo Fire Captain/Paramedic
Retired Hawaii County Fire Dept.

August 3, 2025

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