Rep. Kaniela Ing Pleads "Not Guilty"

by Susan Halas

Maui State House Rep. Mark "Kaniela" Ing (D) was arraigned today Thurs., Aug 25 in traffic court. He pleaded not guilty to both charges against him: one driving without insurance and the other failure to appear in court. Judge Blaine Kobayashi put the both items over to mid September.

Also present in the courtroom were Barry Aoki, Maui chapter chair for SHOPO, the police union and Kay Anderson, a resident of District 11, the area represented by Ing in the state legislature.

Neither Anderson or Aoki spoke in court, but both later expressed disapproval of Ing's actions calling them "disrespectful" to the court, the police and the people of his district. Anderson added that "if he's trying to set a good example he has failed miserably."

Aoki was critical of House Speaker Joe Souki and State House Finance Chair Sylvia Luke, who both endorsed Ing for reelection despite the charges.

Ing recently won the Democratic primary in his district by a substantial majority. He represents South Maui, including Kihei, Wailea and Makena.

Failure to appear carries a penalty of up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. Driving without insurance is punishable by a 3 month license suspension and a maximum fine of $500.

Ing was represented by Maui attorney Ben Lowenthal.