CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARADVERTISER.COM
Honolulu police officer Scott J. Valdez's jury trial on charges linked to a traffic incident is expected to wrap up before state Circuit Judge Edward Kubo today. Valdez, a 12-year HPD veteran, is accused of unlawfully entering a car and damaging it during a traffic stop on the H-1 freeway near the Alexander Street onramp last March. Matthew Smith, now 19, said Valdez's motorcycle nearly brushed his car while the officer was driving along a narrow shoulder and that he threw his hands up in response. Smith said that led Valdez to order him to pull over, yell obscenities at him and push him twice. Valdez, who is denying any physical contact, is scheduled to testify today. Smith, above, described how he raised his hands in reaction to Valdez's motorcycle passing close to his car.