Lawsuit seeking to remove Maui councilman set for trial

WAILUKU >> A lawsuit seeking to remove Maui County Councilman Sol Kahoohalahala from office is scheduled to go to trial next month.

The suit filed by 17 Lanai residents contends that Kahoohalahala can’t represent Lanai on the county council because he lives in Lahaina.

Second Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza said yesterday both sides deserved to go to trial so that all the facts could be presented and weighed. A trial has been scheduled for the week of Aug. 9.

Cardoza rejected a motion by the Lanai residents seeking summary judgment, or an immediate action to remove Kahoohalahala from his seat.

The group says Kahoohalahala doesn’t meet the County Charter requirement that he be a resident of the district he represents on the council.