ADLER SENTENCING SEPT. 4

HILO (AP) - A Big Island marijuana advocate running for governor as a
candidate for the Natural Law Party had his sentencing on felony drug
convictions postponed while an agreement is worked out, his attorney said.

Jonathan Adler, 50, was scheduled to be sentenced Monday on two sets of
marijuana charges.

He was convicted in June of possessing more than 50 marijuana plants and of
possessing drug paraphernalia stemming from charges filed three years ago.
He had faced up to 60 years in prison.

Michael Green, Adler's public defender, said sentencing was postponed until
Sept. 4 while the agreement is worked out.

The agreement would keep Adler out of jail in exchange for pleading guilty
to several charges. Those include sale of marijuana, commercial promotion of
marijuana and possession of paraphernalia in 1999, Green said.

In return, Adler would be sentenced to five years probation, and the
prosecutor could argue for one year in jail.

Under the agreement, Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura would have the discretion
to decide whether Adler could use marijuana as medicine, for which he's
registered under state law, while on probation.

Sentencing on a felony conviction would preclude Adler from holding public
office, Green and elections officials have said.

Adler, who says he requires marijuana for chronic pain and for religious
purposes, previously had said he would continue campaigning while he appeals
his conviction.

Chief Elections Officer Dwayne Yoshina said posters would be placed at
polling places stating Adler is not an eligible candidate.