The case against Joseph Hoapili Sr., accused of murder, my not go to trial if a deal can be reached within the next few weeks, the Garden Island newspaper reported.

A jury trial before Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano was scheduled to begin Monday, but Deputy Public Defender John Calma said he hopes a resolution can be reached without a trial.

Hoapili, 50, of Líhue, is accused of stabbing his wife to death in early March.

He is being held at Kauai Community Correctional Center. County Prosecuting Attorney Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho has asked for bail to be set at $1 million.

The second-degree murder charge against Joseph Hoapili involves the death of 53-year-old Fredlynn Hoapili.

Calma told Valenciano he should set a trial date for January if Calma and prosecutors can't reach a plea agreement in the next few weeks.

County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Lauren McDowell said she expects proceedings to last up to two weeks if the case goes to trial.

Valenciano set a trial date of Jan. 11, at 8 a.m., with a pretrial conference scheduled for Dec. 17.