Off the News: Passions high over police shootings case

The murder and attempted murder charges against three Honolulu police officers in the shooting of Iremamber Sykap, 16, on April 5, have drawn passionate responses.

On Tuesday, more than 200 police officers and others showed up on Day One of a preliminary hearing to support the officers and demand that Honolulu Prosecutor Steve Alm be disciplined for bringing the charges. A smaller group of counterprotesters, supporting the prosecution, also attended.

Both demonstrations took place outside District Court. But we hope that inside the courthouse, the legal process will unfold as it should — dispassionately and in the service of true justice.

COVID-19 casts cloud over the Olympics

So far, scores of people connected to the Tokyo Olympics, including several athletes, have tested positive for COVID-19 — including Honolulu native Taylor Crabb, a member of the U.S. beach volleyball team. While it’s heartbreaking that Crabb, 29, is in danger of missing out on his Olympic debut, it’s also concerning that despite stringent health and safety protocols, the coronavirus remains a threat.

Even so, more than 230 Team USA athletes are expected to participate in the traditional “Parade of Nations” during Friday’s opening ceremony. Let’s hope that the pandemic will be well in the rearview mirror for the start of the 2024 Games in Paris.