Posted on: Wednesday, February 18, 2004

EDITORIAL
Memo to Kona police: Phone call is too late

Big Island Police Chief Lawrence Mahuna finally took it upon himself to phone Gregory Pluta in Pahoa.

The phone call should have occurred Sunday, and at this late date a personal visit would have been more appropriate.

What we're looking for is minimal courtesy in the wake of tragedy. Pluta's son, Gregory, 33, was struck by a sport utility vehicle driven by an on-duty police officer early Sunday morning in Kona.

We don't blame the senior Pluta for being angry, and for supposing the worst, because of the delay in extending that minimal courtesy.

It is, of course, imperative that a thorough and competent investigation determine who or what is responsible for the younger Pluta's death.

What the senior Pluta heard from Mahuna won't have made him feel better. Mahuna suggested to him that his son's own allegedly reckless behavior may have been the most significant factor in his death.

But whether the younger Pluta had carelessly put himself in harm's way or not, Big Island police don't enter this investigation with the presumption of blamelessness. Pluta is the third pedestrian to be struck and killed by a vehicle driven by a Big Island police officer in less than three years.

Going back further, Big Island police have a long history of protecting their own when they transgress. The force has worked hard and sincerely to rebuild credibility. A timely phone call to Mr. Pluta would have helped that effort.