HONOLULU -- For the first time since going to trial for manslaughter, Clyde Arakawa broke his silence.

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Arakawa Interview People Involved In Case

Arakawa spoke exclusively to KITV 4 News Court Reporter Cedric Yamanaka from behind the walls of the Oahu Community Correctional Center.

On Monday, he will return to Circuit Court for sentencing.

In February, a jury convicted Arakawa of manslaughter in the death of Dana Ambrose, 19.

Prosecutors said Arakawa was drunk on Oct. 7, 2000, when he ran a red light and slammed into Ambrose's car.

Ambrose died at the scene of that crash.

"I wish I had been the one that hadn't survived and that Dana had survived the accident, instead of me," Arakawa said.

"What was your reaction to the verdict?" Yamanaka asked.

"It was very disappointing for me. I didn't anticipate it coming back the way it did, having this outcome. I was hoping for negligent homicide in the first degree," Arakawa said.

That would have meant 10 years in prison for Arakawa. Instead, convicted of manslaughter, he now faces 20 years behind bars. It's a thought that scares the former police officer.

"I hope the judge will consider probation and jail time but I think she's going to give me an open 20," Arakawa said.

In the meantime, Arakawa remains in custody at the Oahu Community Correctional Center. He said early in the proceedings, he should've been granted a change of venue. His trial should have been held elsewhere, he said.

"You think you got a fair trial?" Yamanaka asked.

"No, honestly I don't think i had a fair trial. Well, due to the overbearing media coverage and bias and villainizing of myself, I feel the jurors had a pre-set idea on who was going to be found guilty on this instance," Arakawa answered.