HONOLULU -- A Hawaii state senator publicly apologized Friday following his arrest on a charge of soliciting sex from a female undercover police officer posing as a prostitute in Waikiki.
State Sen. Steve Cobb was among 12 people arrested in a police sting operation Thursday night and early Friday, police said.
Cobb, 47, a Democrat, held a news conference later in the day to make what he called a 'painfully and profoundly embarrassing public statement.' He declined to answer questions on the advice of his attorney.
'Words alone are not enough, but I wish to sincerely apologize to my family, my constituents, my colleagues, my staff, and all the people of Hawaii,' Cobb said. He appeared tense as he read his statement and looked up only once.
'The arrest has hurt me greatly, but I know it has and will hurt others as well,' said Cobb, who represents the Palolo to Waialae areas of Honolulu and has been in the state Legislature since 1972.
Cobb, who was to be arraigned Monday, did not say how he would plead to the charges, stating only that he would respond in court and would not use his position 'to seek any special favors.'
Cobb was one of five men charged with solicitation, or offering money for sex.
Cobb, who chairs the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and sits on the Judiciary panel, said he had devoted his life to public service but added, 'I know only too well that I am still a fallible human being.
'I hope both those who know me and those who don't will understand, and in understanding, come to forgive,' Cobb said.
A hint that Cobb expected to continue as a senator came when, in his statement, he referred to 'things I have sought to accomplish and will continue to accomplish as a senator.' The Senate could, however, vote to censure him after an investigation.
