Rep. Wakai will seek Sakamoto's Senate seat

State Rep. Glenn Wakai is forgoing a chance at a fifth straight term in the House in favor of a shot at the state Senate.

Wakai, in an e-mail, announced plans to run for the Salt Lake-Foster Village seat being vacated by Sen. Norman Sakamoto, who is running for lieutenant governor.

Both are Democrats.

“;I have accomplished much for the state and my constituents while in the House,”; Wakai said in his e-mail Sunday. “;I can do even more in the Senate. Hawaii needs dynamic new leaders to push a progressive agenda.”;

Wakai, a former television reporter, has represented the 31st House District (Moanalua Valley-Salt Lake) since 2002.

Felon's minimum term set at 6 years, 8 months

A convicted felon who admitted breaking into a police officer's home and stealing the officer's service pistol and gun belt will have to serve at least six years and eight months of a 10-year prison term before he will be eligible for parole.

A state judge sentenced Aryss Kamai, 23, yesterday to 10-year and five-year prison terms — to be served at the same time — for multiple counts of first-degree burglary, first-degree theft, identity theft, credit card theft and firearm, drug and drug paraphernalia possession offenses.

Circuit Judge Michael Town imposed the six-year, eight-month minimum because Kamai is a repeat offender. Kamai was on probation for another burglary and theft when he committed the crimes last year and this year.

The Hawaii Paroling Authority can set a higher minimum.

Kamai admitted breaking into the officer's Kapolei home on Dec. 8.

A neighbor spotted Kamai leaving the home, followed him and reported his vehicle's license plate number. Police tracked Kamai to a home in Waianae, where they found the gun, belt and other stolen items.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Laupahoehoe library will be meeting focus

Hawaii island residents are invited to a community meeting next Wednesday to discuss, among other things, plans to limit hours at the Laupahoehoe Public School Library, some closings at the library and ways the community can help maintain library services.

The meeting, hosted by the North Hilo Community Association, starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Laupahoehoe library.

Attending the meeting will be state Librarian Richard Burns, state Sen. Dwight Takamine (D, Hilo-Honokaa) and Rep. Mark Nakashima (D, Hawi-Hilo).