No quick parole
expected for Mansho

The public safety chief says
he has no plans to release her

---

Associated Press

Rene Mansho may be eligible for furlough, but state Public Safety Director Ted Sakai says he has no intention of releasing the former Honolulu City Councilwoman back into the community right away.

Mansho was sentenced June 26 to one year in prison and five years' probation for misusing campaign funds and city staff.

The Women's Community Correctional Center in Kailua informed police and prosecutors last week that Mansho qualifies for furlough into community-based programs. Sakai, who will decide if Mansho will be furloughed, said the letter was a formality. "She's there because the judge wanted her incarcerated, and we respect that," Sakai said.

Mansho has adjusted well to life in the prison, where she is performing kitchen duty, he said. Mansho, 52, pleaded guilty in April to two counts of felony theft for stealing money from her campaign and misusing city staff time. She had already paid $40,000 and has agreed to pay $25,000 more in restitution.