The minister accused of molesting an underage member of his congregation over an eight-year period pleaded not guilty this morning.

Manuel "Memo" Taboada entered the plea in Circuit Court via a video hookup from Oahu Community Correctional Center, where he is being held in lieu of $2 million bail.

Prominent local defense lawyer Michael Green appeared for Taboada before Circuit Judge Derrick Chan, who set a preliminary trial date of Sept. 29.

But Green said outside court that date will almost certainly be delayed.

"The indictment covers events that allegedly occurred over a seven- or eight-year period," Green said.

"Until I look at the police reports to determine what caused her (the alleged victim) to make this complaint, I can't begin to evaluate the merits of the case," Green said.

"I need to get those reports and medical reports on my client," Green continued.

"It looks like this trial will certainly be continued into next year," he said.

Taboada, 56, has five children and came to Hawai'i after preaching in the Portland, Ore. area for years.

When Taboada was indicted last week, Deputy Prosecutor Vickie Kapp said the defendant is also being investigated by Portland authorities for similar sex offenses.

The victim's family was part of Taboada's congregation that lived in "communal" circumstances with him and others in a Kane'ohe home.

She told police she was molested by Taboada for eight years, starting when she was 12.