Ex-politician to be sentenced in rock theft

Former state Rep. Roland Sagum III pleaded no contest Tuesday to misdemeanor theft involving rocks allegedly taken from an archaeological preserve in Poipu, Kauai, in 2011.

Sagum changed his plea in Kauai Circuit Court. He had pleaded not guilty in March to a second-degree theft charge, a Class C felony that carries a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Sagum changed his plea because the case was negatively affecting his health, according to Deputy Prosecutor Rebecca Vogt.

Judge Kathleen Watanabe reduced Sagum’s charge to third-degree theft, a misdemeanor that carries a maximum of up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26.

Lealiki Koli is due to appear in court for his trial on July 15. He was the contractor who used heavy equipment to allegedly take rocks from the preserve on land owned by Kukui‘ula Development Corp. sometime between June 27 and July 4, 2011, to build a rock wall on Sagum’s property. Koli was charged with second-degree theft and second-degree criminal property damage.

Hee kills pleas to free pot guru

State Senate Judiciary Chairman Clayton Hee has shot down two resolutions asking federal authorities to release Hawaii island resident Roger Christie from federal prison on bail.

Hee (D, Heeia-Laie-Waialua) deferred the measures Wednesday without a committee vote.

Christie, founder of The Hawaii Cannabis Ministry, which considers marijuana to be a sacrament, has been in jail since 2010.

He is charged with growing and possessing marijuana with the intent to sell. His trial is July 23.

Several community groups are pressing for Christie’s release, saying keeping him imprisoned for so long violates his constitutional rights.

The state Department of Public Safety opposed the resolutions.

Sen. Russell Ruderman (D, Puna) introduced the resolutions. He said Christie is a peaceful man. Ruderman visited Christie in prison last week.

Fundraising run to affect traffic

Streets around Vidinha Stadium in Lihue will be under traffic controls Saturday morning during the Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run, a fundraiser for Hawaii Special Olympics.

The run/walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Hoolako Street behind Vidinha Stadium, turn right onto Kaana Street, and then onto Kapule Highway, heading south. Participants will turn right onto the roadway that leads back into the stadium, across from the Kauai Lagoons guard shack.

Hoolako Street might be closed for about 15 minutes at the start of the run.

Participants may register at 7 a.m. Saturday, or pick up an entry form at a First Hawaiian Bank branch.