Farm-labor trial could begin today in federal court

Opening statements could begin as early as today for the federal trial of brothers Alex and Mike Sou of Aloun Farms on charges of forced labor and related counts.

U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway told the lawyers this afternoon that a jury should be selected by lunch Thursday and they should plan on making their opening statements.

Mollway presided a day of jury selection Wednesday and will resume the selection process on Thursday morning.

The brothers are accused of threatening Thailand laborers with harm if they did not work at the Kapolei-based Aloun Farms.

The trial is expected to last several weeks.