Kaua'i County attorney says he won't run again
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Kaua'i Bureau
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Kaua'i County Prosecuting Attorney Michael Soong said yesterday he would not run for re-election to the post he has held for two four-year terms.
Soong has been in the prosecutor's office for 12 years, serving as a deputy for four years under former prosecutor Ryan Jimenez before making a successful bid for the seat in 1996. He ran unopposed in 2000.
"I have decided that private practice would allow me more time to spend with my children," Michael Soong said.
The office had eight attorneys, including Soong, when he took over, and has 10 attorney positions now. Soong said much of the office management had been handled by his first deputy, Craig De Costa.
Soong said he will return to private practice.
"Making this decision wasn't easy, but I have decided that private practice would allow me more time to spend with my children and provide for them as well," he said.
Soong and his wife, Liana, have six children, ages 1 to 14, with another on the way.
He will serve out his term, which ends Dec. 1.
Reach Jan TenBruggencate at jant@honoluluadvertiser.com or (808) 245-3074.
