Posted on: Tuesday, June 22, 2004

EDITORIAL
Warden's sentence sends wrong message

"You engaged in horrific behavior," Maui Judge Reinette Cooper told the former warden of the Maui Community Correctional Center at his sentencing for sexually assaulting a female inmate in his charge.

We agree 100 percent, which is why we're baffled and chagrined that Cooper chose to sentence the warden, Albert K. Murashige, to a relatively light sentence — one year in prison and five years' probation — instead of the 10 years recommended by the prosecutor.

What's important to bear in mind here is that, as warden, Murashige had his victim completely in his control when he assaulted her.

"As warden, he has to be held to a higher standard," said Deputy Attorney General Rick Damerville.

Damerville said — and we agree — that it sends the "wrong message" to prison guards across the state.

"If the warden only gets one year, what am I going to get," he said. "There are going to be more corrections officers that are going to be willing to take that chance."

Corrections officers, who work under stressful conditions for modest pay, nonetheless are held to a particularly high standard.

Those in their charge are vulnerable, and it is critical that it be crystal clear that society will not tolerate any attempt to take advantage of that vulnerability.

Judge Cooper said Murashige had a flawless record before this crime.

She also cited a stack of 40 or 50 testimonial letters in his behalf from retired judges, lawyers, colleagues and church and community members.

While such letters are not normally made public when they are part of a sentencing report, we urge Cooper to consider unsealing them. As it is, the appearance is too much that punishment is determined by who you are and who you know.