Tanonaka, 51, pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements regarding a loan application, one count of making a false statement to the U.S. House of Representatives in his disclosure statement when he ran for Congress in 2004 and accepting money above the campaign limit in that race.

"I failed to provide the required information," Tanonaka told U.S. Magistrate Kevin Chang.

Tanonaka's lawyer Michael Green later said Tanonaka was not trying to cheat anyone out of money or trying to hide anything, but "it didn't make it OK."

Charles Goodwin, FBI special agent in charge of the bureau's office here, said the case involves $73,000 in illegal and unreported loans in connection with Tanonaka's 2002 campaign for lieutenant governor and $11,000 in connection with running for Congress in 2004.

He said political candidates, like public officials, are held to a high standard of conduct. "It is essential that persons seeking and occupying these positions of trust be scrupulous in their observance of the laws," he said.

Chang scheduled Tanonaka's sentencing for Nov. 3 before U.S. District Judge Helen Gillmor.

Tanonaka was permitted to remain free on $25,000 bond, pending his sentencing.