Policeman hurt during Bush Hawaii visit dies

HONOLULU - A motorcycle officer injured last week while escorting President Bush in the islands died Sunday, police said.

Steve Favela, 30, and two other officers crashed their cycles as the presidential motorcade was traveling across Hickam Air Force Base to meet troops for breakfast early Tuesday. The other officers were treated at The Queen’s Medical Center and released.

Favela, an eight-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department and father of four, had suffered internal injuries and had been listed in critical condition at the medical center.
Light rain had been falling on the partly cloudy morning, and some roads on the base were slick.

Members of the White House medical team — including an ambulance — were cut loose from the motorcade to help. Local ambulance and fire units also responded.

The White House released a statement of condolence on Sunday evening.

“Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of Officer Steve Favela of the Honolulu Police Department,” the statement read in part.

“We send our condolences to his wife, Barbara, his entire family, and his fellow law enforcement officers. We pray that God will comfort them and that their friends and loved ones will sustain them in this difficult time. Officer Favela risked his life every day to protect the people of his community. In this time of great sadness, we give thanks for his life of service.”

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