Big Isle police
commissioner
leaves his post

CORRECTION Friday, August 20, 2004 Former Big Island Judge Paul de Silva, who resigned from the Hawaii County Police Commission last week, is 69. A story on Page A10 yesterday gave an incorrect age. The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at corrections@starbulletin.com.

HILO >> Big Island Police Commissioner Paul de Silva has resigned from the volunteer post, alleging there is too much secrecy in the county Police Department.

De Silva, 70, is a former Circuit Court judge and former Hawaii County prosecutor.

He said he believes Mayor Harry Kim, whom he has known for 30 years, appointed him to the police oversight body to work for greater openness, although Kim did not tell him that.

"The man doesn't have to say anything about that to me. I know him," de Silva said.

One of de Silva's points was a proposal to allow commission observers into police disciplinary proceedings, about which all details are now confidential by law.

Chief Lawrence Mahuna said he was willing to consider a one-year pilot project with observers, although they would still be prohibited from disclosing anything to the public. The new procedure would need police union approval, and Mahuna held informal talks with the union about the idea.

De Silva said observers would serve as protection for officers. "The union has to remember, in the past, unfair things were done to employees," he said.

But Mahuna said the process is "self-healing." If an officer gets a raw deal, there are many levels of appeal. "Does it really need this kind of scrutiny (by commissioners)?" he asked.

Mahuna said he has to move slowly because any decision on the Big Island would set a precedent for all police departments in the state.

De Silva said he decided to resign because frustration made him unhappy with his own actions. "I've become very impatient and confrontive with the police," he said.