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Changes to federal sentencing guidelines mean dozens of Hawaii prisoners, including those in high-profile corruption cases, are now eligible for early release.

Allegations of impropriety have dogged Dennis Mitsunaga for years. A jury will decide whether the money he allegedly funneled to the city prosecutor constitutes a criminal conspiracy.

The trial of former Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and those accused of bribing him will begin next month.

Judge Timothy Burgess will decide whether to split the trial in two, among other requests from attorneys.

The investigation was revealed as Sheri Tanaka is awaiting trial on charges that she conspired to bribe a former Honolulu prosecutor.

At a bail review hearing, the conditions of Sheri Tanaka’s pretrial release could be modified, or she could be sent to jail to await trial.

Meanwhile, defendant Sheri Tanaka is trying to sever herself from the case for reasons that are being kept secret.

No word yet on whether the change will delay the much-anticipated corruption trial.

Judge Michael Seabright did not say why he is recusing himself, and his office declined to comment.

The defendants were caught on tape talking about how to arrange the retirement deal without asking the City Council’s permission.