Posted on: Tuesday, November 2, 2004
Pageant winner pleads guilty in 'ice' case
By Ken Kobayashi
Advertiser Courts Writer
A former Miss Hawai'i USA pleaded guilty yesterday to possessing crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia and asked for a chance to have the charges dropped.
Asked if she had taken any alcohol or drugs, Limahai shook her head no.
Limahai was arrested Sept. 14 as police prepared to search a Paulele Street home in Kailua. Her case underscores the pervasiveness of Hawai'i's ice epidemic, which has afflicted and affected residents in just about every walk of life.
Limahai's guilty pleas were not part of an agreement with prosecutors, but she has asked for a deferral of the pleas. If granted, the charges will be dropped if she abides by conditions similar to those in probation. If rejected, she will face sentencing on the two felony counts.
Perkins set a hearing for Jan. 12.
City deputy prosecutor Alfred Brunn said his office will oppose the deferral request.
Limahai had been held on $15,000 bail, but was placed on supervisory release and is at the Sand Island Treatment Center.
Limahai left the courtroom without comment.
Limahai's husband, John Limahai Jr., also was arrested Sept. 14.
He is being held on $25,000 bail on charges of possessing methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
He is scheduled to go on trial the week of Dec. 6. He's also set to be sentenced Dec. 6 in an unrelated stolen car case.
Reach Ken Kobayashi at kkobayashi@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8030.
Tiffini Limahai, 30, who was Miss Hawai'i USA in 1998, fought back tears as Circuit Judge Richard Perkins asked her if she was sure she wanted to plead guilty and if she realized the charges carry a potential of 15 years in prison and fines of up to $35,000.
Tiffini Limahai
