http://www.cdh2a.com/articles/157-is-it-justifiable-to-shoot-an-unarmed-person

Most people don't think that the planet is a weapon. Just think about it if you bang your head a few good times on the ground you could die if not how bout brain damage then. No gun or knife. When you see an opponent can you immediately know what his skill level is??? His training? His knowledge of how he can kill you or disable you with his bare hands? So for all those crying unjust shooting because the guy was unarmed why did they shoot him??? if someone with no weapon is choking the shit out of you or is much bigger and stronger then you, would you use your firearm to save your life against the unarmed attacker or the only person who could help you is a smaller weaker person with a gun do you think they should shoot a unarmed person???

Depends.

Unarmed ?
Do you mean someone with no arms ?

As far as I'm concerned, everyone else is armed.

Especially Talula. If he catches you with that hug.......

Depends.

Unarmed ?
Do you mean someone with no arms ?

As far as I'm concerned, everyone else is armed.

Especially Talula. If he catches you with that hug.......

hugs

hugs

Who cares about hugs all I need is heads and some pizza.

IMO, one's mind is the weapon.  Everything else one uses are just tools, a physical extension of the mind via skill set.  Everyone has a pair of fists, elbows, arms, knees, feet, legs, etc...  Not everyone knows how to strike like someone who knows Muay Thai, Eskrima, Karate, boxing...  Or the various body/joint locks of Brazilian JiuJitsu, Dumog, Judo, etc...   Just about everyone has an index finger, not everyone can run and gun, or shoot long range.

In some video games when confronted with various characters, some gamers know what skills such character has from the guide that comes with the game or by word of mouth.  In the real world such guide for everyone does not exist.  Sure they may have some visible clues, Affliction shirt, Tapout shirt, military branch shirt, or any other martial arts school shirt.  Sad part is IMO, I would say more than half of the guys wearing such clothing are just fans and don't know enough to apply such skills.

But to answer the OP's question, I would say do what one has to do to survive the situation.  If one is getting choked or getting the ground and pound, and the only option was to shoot.  I say empty the mag.

if someone with no weapon is choking the shit out of you or is much bigger and stronger then you, would you use your firearm to save your life against the unarmed attacker or the only person who could help you is a smaller weaker person with a gun do you think they should shoot a unarmed person???

Yes

Most people don't think that the planet is a weapon. Just think about it if you bang your head a few good times on the ground you could die if not how bout brain damage then. No gun or knife. When you see an opponent can you immediately know what his skill level is??? His training? His knowledge of how he can kill you or disable you with his bare hands? So for all those crying unjust shooting because the guy was unarmed why did they shoot him??? if someone with no weapon is choking the shit out of you or is much bigger and stronger then you, would you use your firearm to save your life against the unarmed attacker or the only person who could help you is a smaller weaker person with a gun do you think they should shoot a unarmed person???

The use of deadly force is justifiable under this section if the actor believes that deadly force is necessary to protect himself against death, serious bodily injury, kidnapping, rape, or forcible sodomy.

Being "in fear for my life" is the normal standard to determine justified use of deadly force for self defense.  However, in Hawaii, you just need to believe the attacker intends to, and is capable of, inflicting serious bodily injury.

I wouldn't presume to estimate the number of broken bones or massive bruises it might take to convince a jury you sustained, or believed you would sustain, serious bodily injury.  The term is rather ambiguous, but it does open the door to the argument that the assailant does not have to be trying to kill you -- just put you in the hospital in "serious" condition.