PAGEANT WINNER PLEADS GUILTY IN 'ICE' CASE

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.

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.

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.