Pubdate: Fri, 03 Nov 2000
Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI)
Copyright: 2000 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Contact:  P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802
Fax: (808) 523-8509
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Author: Rod Thompson

WHITNEY HOUSTON FINED FOR PAKALOLO POSSESSION

KEALAKEKUA, Hawaii -- District Judge Joseph Florendo has sentenced 
singer Whitney Houston to pay $4,025 in fines for marijuana 
possession and will clear her record in three months if she follows 
certain requirements.

A handbag believed to belong to Houston was found with about half an 
ounce of marijuana by Kona International Airport security personnel 
as Houston was boarding a plane for the mainland on Jan. 11. She left 
without the handbag.

Through her attorneys, Bryan Blaney of New Jersey and Brook Hart of 
Hawaii, Houston entered a no-contest plea yesterday to a charge of 
promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree, a petty 
misdemeanor. Houston was not present.

Judge Florendo ordered Houston to pay a $1,000 "contribution" to the 
state General Fund, $3,000 to a youth group called Big Island Wave 
Riders Against Drugs and $25 to the Criminal Victims Compensation 
Fund.

He also agreed to defer accepting Houston's no-contest plea for three 
months if she undergoes a drug assessment on the mainland and follows 
whatever recommendations the assessment makes.

If she does that and remains free of other charges for three months, 
the present charge will be removed from her record.

Hawaii County Deputy Prosecutor Charlene Iboshi noted that Houston 
has no prior offenses in Hawaii or elsewhere. She said that Houston's 
plea shows she acknowledges responsibility for her action.

"We're satisfied with the outcome," Iboshi said.
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