EDITORIAL
Saying you're sorry is a sign of leadership

Rarely do we hear politicians apologize to their constituents for wasting taxpayer money, unless they're being sarcastic because it's "really not their fault."

So Big Island Mayor Harry Kim's straightforward mea culpa for all the time and money wasted on fighting a lawsuit alleging rigged Police Department promotions is both startling and refreshing. He actually said it as though he meant it.

In settling the most expensive lawsuit in Big Island history, Hawai'i County will pay $2 million to 19 current and former cops. "I'm sorry for the amount of money that has been spent; we can't afford this," Kim said. "I'm sorry for the whole damn thing, to tell you the truth, and I'm so glad it's done."

Granted the Police Department corruption case occurred on Big Island Mayor Steve Yamashiro's watch. But Kim inherited the fallout of the lawsuit and has brought closure to a six-year legal battle that dragged on far too long.

The suit alleged that former Police Chief Guy Paul told his subordinates whom he wanted promoted, and those preferred candidates were helped with the oral portion of the promotions examinations.

The county is not admitting any wrongdoing, and we're certainly not qualified to judge the merits of the case. However, we're impressed that instead of paying out millions more in legal fees, Kim pressed for a settlement to "stop the bleeding." The case has already cost Hawai'i County $3.5 million in lawyers fees.

Kim decided to stop the hemorrhaging when he realized that even if the Supreme Court overturned the verdict, the case would be kicked back to Circuit Court for a new trial and the potential of an even greater award.

It seems like common sense, but you'd be surprised how many politicians would rather "win" than save the taxpayers money.