Senate will meet to review court appointee

The state Senate plans to meet in a special session Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 to consider Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s appointment of Karen Nakasone this month to a 10-year term on the Circuit Court bench, according to Senate President Shan Tsutsui’s office.

Nakasone, 41, a deputy public defender since 1996, is the governor’s third appointment to the Judiciary.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the appointment Aug. 29 and submit a report to the Senate Aug. 31, Tsutsui’s office said.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Judge’s ruling negates officer’s statements

A state judge has ruled that statements by a Maui police officer can’t be used in his drug trial.

The Maui News reported Tuesday the judge granted the defense’s request, saying the prosecution did not prove officer Ryan Masada waived his Miranda rights before answering a detective’s questions.

Masada, 41, has pleaded not guilty to charges of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Police recovered a glass pipe containing crystal methamphetamine residue that Masada allegedly discarded in a Wailuku Police Station locker room last year. According to court documents, he told detectives he didn’t remember where he got the pipe or how long he had it, but that it wasn’t his and he didn’t smoke the drug.

Kealakekua library to close for month

Kealakekua Public Library will be closed Sept. 3 through Oct. 2 because of a staffing shortage, the state said. The book drop will be closed at 4 p.m. Sept. 2. Borrowed items may be returned to any public library.

Patrons can get library services at the Kailua-Kona Public Library, 75-138 Hualalai Road. Call 327-4327 for hours of service.