Jailed ex-senator helps Former state Sen. Marshall Ige returned to his old political haunts in and around the state Capitol in recent weeks, but this time as a public servant of a different kind.
at governor’s residence
By Crystal Kua
ckua@starbulletin.comThe former Windward Oahu lawmaker, currently serving a six-month jail term, was part of an inmate work crew that helped landscape grounds surrounding the newly constructed governor's home at Washington Place.
Ige was also part of a work detail that helped state elections officials prepare for the Sept. 21 primary election at the state Capitol, where Ige served in the Legislature from 1982 to 2000.
"It gives inmates a chance to repay the community for the crime that they committed," Public Safety Director Ted Sakai said.
In January, Ige pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, attempting to evade taxes and failure to file tax returns. Ige's sentence began July 1 and will be completed at the end of December.
Inmates, who are assigned regularly to care for the Washington Place grounds, were seen last week landscaping the area surrounding the newly built governor's quarters. A passer-by recognized Ige, who was planting plants.
Sakai confirmed that the crew included Ige. Sakai also said Ige helped election officials last month.
Rex Quidilla, spokesman for the state Elections Office, said inmates helped both on the eve of the primary election and on the day of the election.
"They provided manpower for us. They helped set up the control center and counting centers. They helped to move sealed ballot containers around," Quidilla said. "They really did good work."
