John Szemkow — who was given a 10-year sentence on Aug. 7 for failure to render aid in the April 4, 2006, Kunia Road accident in which four farm workers were killed — could be released on parole as early as next month.

That's because early this month the Hawaii Paroling Authority set a minimum term of 5 months and 6 days for Szemkow, meaning that he has since served his minimum sentence.

At that Jan. 9 hearing, attorney John Schum, representing Szemkow, 48, said he presented new evidence, based on police reports and eye witness testimony, that convincingly contradicts statements made by prosecutors at Szemkow's trial.

Jim Fulton, with the city Prosecutor's Office, said prosecutors would argue against Szemkow's early parole at the February hearing.

"What you have right now is that his minimum has been set, he's served his minimum, and in February there will be an actual parole hearing to decide whether or not he can be released," Fulton said today. "And the prosecutors are going to go in and argue against his early release."