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The Honolulu Advertiser

Updated at 4:44 p.m., Monday, October 31, 2005

State Rep. Fox resigns after criminal conviction

Advertiser Staff

State Rep. Galen Fox, R-23rd (Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kaka'ako), announced today that he is resigning after he was convicted of a misdemeanor sexual offense in federal court in Los Angeles.

At a news conference at the state Capitol this afternoon, Fox said he would resign effective Dec. 1. He did not explain the details of his conviction or take any questions. His attorney, Harland Braun, said a woman accused Fox of inappropriately touching her on a flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles.

"I vigorously fought the charges against me, which I hold to be untrue. I lost," Fox said. "From now on in my personal life, I will have to bear the consequences of that loss."

Fox stepped down as House Republican minority leader in May after five years in charge of the caucus.

"I'm saddened by this situation and feel badly for Rep. Galen Fox and all the parties involved," Gov. Linda Lingle said. "Rep. Fox has been a dedicated public servant, and it is unfortunate that this has happened. By resigning today he has done what is in the best interest of his constituents and the legislative process."