More choices, same tragedy for Deedy jurors

It’s all in the hands of the jury — again.

With closing arguments done, jurors are now deliberating the fate of federal special agent Christopher Deedy, 30, for killing Kollin Elderts, 23, at a Waikiki McDonald’s on Nov. 5, 2011. In Deedy’s first trial a year ago, jurors had just two choices: murder, or acquittal. They couldn’t reach a unanimous decision, causing a mistrial.

Now, this jury has those same options, as well as additional ones including reckless manslaughter and assault.

Last time, jurors agonized for more than a week. Whatever the verdict this time, it remains profoundly lamentable that someone died in a tragic escalation of heated circumstances that ended in irreversible violence.

Madame Pele on guard against hurricane

Vexatious vog may have a silver lining. University of Hawaii researchers have new opportunities to test their theory this week, having observed in July 2013 that gas and particles from Kilauea Volcano seemed to increase lightning at the edge of a tropical storm then approaching the island of Hawaii. That lightning weakened the energy building within the storm’s eye. As Hurricane Iselle bears down on the islands, we hope this hypothesis proves correct. We’re not lulled into inaction by an interesting theory, though. Disaster preparedness is essential.