A judge yesterday rejected prosecutors' recommendations and sentenced a drunken driver to 18 months in prison for causing the death of an infant girl in a head-on collision in 2005. Prosecutors had asked for the maximum: 10 years in prison.

The sentencing of Ceriaco Kasoga followed a tearful hearing in which relatives of 10-month-old Saydee Miller told of how devastated they have been since her death.

"Losing Saydee to such a senseless act has left me feeling like I want to die," said Saydee's grandmother, Rhonda Teixeira, who was driving Saydee when Kasoga hit them. "I wish it was me that could have died."

Witnesses said Kasoga was traveling at least 75 mph and passing other vehicles on a curve near Waimea Bay Beach Park when the Dodge Caravan he was driving crashed head-on into a Honda Accord. Saydee was in a child restraint in the front passenger seat.

A blood sample taken from Kasoga after the September 2005 incident showed a blood-alcohol content level of 0.11. Under Hawai'i law, a person is considered to be driving drunk if his or her blood alcohol reading measures 0.08 or more.

Saydee never emerged from a coma and died after being taken off life-support equipment.

"Saydee's death has affected my daughter in such a way that only God can help her," said Teixeira, who suffered cuts and bruises and a broken sternum, and was released from the hospital three days after the crash.

In deciding the sentence, Circuit Judge Richard W. P. Pollack cited Kasoga's lack of a prior criminal history, 30-year marriage and consistent employment record. Pollack said Kasoga was unlikely to commit another crime. He handed down the prison time, ordered him to pay $7,600 in restitution and perform 200 hours of community service.

For 15 years before his arrest, Kasoga was employed by a commercial trucking company.

"The death of Saydee Miller was tragic and senseless and it was also completely avoidable," said Pollack, speaking in court yesterday. "There is nothing Mr. Kasoga or the court can do to fill the void in Saydee Miller's family."

Kasoga pleaded guilty to negligent homicide in December.

Initially, Kasoga's sentencing had been set for Feb. 12. But it was rescheduled after the infant's father punched Kasoga in the face and kicked him as Kasoga approached Pollack's fourth-floor courtroom.

City prosecutor Wayne H. Tashima had asked the court to impose the maximum 10-year sentence.

Kasoga, dressed in a black nylon jacket and blue jeans, expressed remorse but did not turn to face Saydee's family yesterday. He cried as family member after family member spoke of how Saydee's loss affected the family.

"I have caused much pain to so many people," Kasoga said. "I feel sick in my heart and I think it will be with me forever. I am sorry from the bottom of my heart and I pray you all will forgive me."

Teixeira was driving toward Hale'iwa when the crash occurred.

Outside of court yesterday, Saydee's uncle, Morgan Hill, said the family had hoped that Kasoga would receive more jail time. He said the family respects the decision of the court and hopes that as part of Kasoga's community service, he will speak to others about the dangers of drinking, driving and speeding.

"I think our family is looking forward to moving on and seeking forgiveness for him," Hill said. "It will never bring Saydee back, but we're ready to move on and seek forgiveness."

Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.