Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 14, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 1997 — Writer defends Gabriel Kealoha [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Writer defends Gabriel Kealoha

It is important when giving "opinions" on the tragic incident of October 27, 1996, involving 17-year-old Kamehameha senior, Gabriel Kealoha, and off-duty polieeman, Arthur Miller, that the following facts be taken into account: • Miller was driving while drinking, had an open ean of aleohol in his car, and acted as an inebriated civilian, with a blood aleohol level of .16. • Miller was not in uniform nor driving a marked poliee car; nor did he eall in for backup when he pulled up in front of Kealoha's car, all contrary to poliee procedures. » Immediately, the poliee released "selective" 911 tapes and made statements to the media contributing to a v prejudicial view of this case. , • The poliee released the minor's name to the media, violating Kealoha's juvenile rights. From the following data, it is clear that Miller's intoxicated behavior was the cause of the incident that lead to his accidental death. National Safety Council studies state that a blood aleohol level of ".16" results in: • Major impairment of all physical and mental functions. • Irresponsible behavior. • Difficulty standing, walking or talking. • Distortion of all perception and judgement in driving.

• Driving erratic, in a dazed euphoiia. A Defense Fund has been established to help pay legal costs. Every contribution (no matter how small!) eases this victimized family's legal financial burden. Please KOKUA the youth's family by sending donations and support letters to any branch of BANK OF AMERICA, Account #37666-06238, please make checks payable to: "Gabriel Kealoha Defense Fund." Mahalo for your support! Peter Massey Honolulu

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