Kelly Greenwell

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Contributing Editor

Kelly Greenwell will get his day in court. He’ll just have to wait until next week.

The North Kona councilman, who was arrested following a July 17 traffic stop on Queen Kaahumanu Highway, appeared Wednesday before Third Circuit Judge Elizabeth Strance.

Greenwell has asked for a trial to resolve three charges – refusing to stop his vehicle, refusing to produce his driver and vehicle documents, and resisting arrest.

Strance recused herself from the case and ordered Greenwell to appear before Judge Ronald Ibarra at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31.

Strance said although she was not obligated to step aside, she wanted to avoid all appearance of impropriety. Maile David, who now works for the court, used to work for the office Greenwell now holds.

Greenwell, who did not have an attorney with him, asked that the charges be dropped, as he considers them frivolous and ungrounded.

“I’ve already been tried in the media and convicted,” he said. “I’m not sure I could get a fair trial.”

Greenwell said he has retained Honolulu attorney Eric Seitz to represent him and wants the matter resolved in a quickly, as it could impact his chances for re-election next month.

He also noted the case could be costly for himself and the county. Greenwell previously has said he intends to fight the three charges, although he will pay the speeding ticket, and will sue the county if necessary to force more officer training in personal conduct and stricter adherence to the law enforcement Code of Ethics.

“I will not change my plea, but I would plea bargain for lessons in how to be a better police officer,” he said after his preliminary hearing earlier this month. “It’s not the arresting officer’s fault; it’s poor training. I expect to be acquitted on everything.”

Police contend Greenwell was driving 51 mph in a 35 mph zone just north of Makala Boulevard.

Greenwell said he does not believe he was traveling that fast and was poorly treated by police, who he said unnecessarily handcuffed him, left him sitting in a hot car and denied him medication.

Police have said they did not mistreat the 70-year-old councilman and it was Greenwell who became confrontational.