A seven-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department was seriously injured yesterday morning when he was thrown from his motorcycle on the Pali Highway at about 9:40 a.m.

The officer was taken to The Queen's Medical Center in serious but stable condition. He was upgraded to good condition yesterday afternoon.

Police said the officer suffered severe cuts and scrapes to his face, arms, head and torso after the bike hit a utility pole and sent him skidding across the road. The accident happened in the Kailua-bound lanes of the highway fronting Queen Emma Preschool.

It is unclear if the officer was in a pursuit or if he simply lost control of his bike, police said. Some witnesses told traffic investigators they saw the officer turn his lights on and begin to pursue someone. Others told police he simply lost control of the bike. Traffic investigators are still seeking witnesses.

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.