Pubdate: Tue, 18 Jan 2000
Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI)
Copyright: 2000 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Contact:  P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802
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Author: Rod Thompson, Star-Bulletin

SINGER'S KONA CASE ISN'T OVER

Whitney Houston Is Still Under Investigation In The Marijuana Matter

KAILUA-KONA -- It would be difficult to prosecute actress and singer
Whitney Houston, allegedly found with about half an ounce of marijuana at
the Kona airport last week, but the case remains under investigation, Kona
Vice Lt. Robert Hickcox said today.

Airport security found 15.2 grams of the drug in a cloth handbag allegedly
belonging to Houston, but there was no identification in the bag linking it
to her, Hickcox said.

Houston allegedly left the bag behind at a security checkpoint and only
witness reports linked her to it, he said. Police were attempting to
interview those witness today, but many were unavailable because they were
at a meeting called by airport authorities to review security procedures.

The amount of marijuana was so small that the only charge which could be
filed would be a petty misdemeanor, Hickcox said.

Authorities do not normally invest a lot of time and money in a petty
misdemeanor, but the investigation is not over, he said.

"We're conducting our normal investigation."

Prosecutor Jay Kimura could not be reached for comment but told the Hawaii
Tribune Herald he is awaiting the results of the police investigation
before deciding if charges could be filed.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart