Posted on: Friday, July 26, 2002

Hawai'i briefs

Guilty plea entered in cocaine case

A Big Island man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to a charge that he tried to smuggle in more than four pounds of cocaine from Los Angeles.

John James Montoya, 34, of Waiakea Uka, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo said.

Montoya was arrested by authorities after his return to Hilo from Los Angeles on May 21. Kubo said more than 1,950 grams of cocaine were packed within the bottom of Montoya's blue cooler.

Montoya faces a prison term of five to 40 years, Kubo said.

Senator presses veto challenge

Senate Vice President Colleen Hanabusa yesterday asked the state Circuit Court to invalidate Gov. Ben Cayetano's vetoes of 13 bills, continuing her effort to revive the measures.

In the lawsuit, Hanabusa, D-21st (Kalaeloa, Makaha), contends that Cayetano missed the veto deadline by one day when he vetoed 13 bills on June 24, including one for a $75 million tax break for an aquarium at the Ko Olina resort.

Hanabusa earlier asked the state Supreme Court to invalidate the vetoes but the high court refused to consider her case. Cayetano has said that his vetoes are valid.