Waliluku, HAWAII

In Hawaii, no teacher - none, zero, zilch - has lost their license since 2001 - despite major drug convictions. Like this one.

June 4, 2008 - The largest drug bust in Maui County yielded 18.5 pounds of cocaine, approximately 6 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 1 ounce of marijuana and more than $114,000 cash. The drugs had an estimated street value of more than $1.5 million.

Patrick Aniban, 44, and his wife, Ohia Aniban, 34, a first grade teacher at Christ The King School in Kahului, were arrested in the 2007 raid on their home. Today, Patrick Aniban pleaded no contest to drug charges. He will be sentenced August 5. He is facing 20 years.

Ohia Aniban is still awaiting trial, along with another defendant. A third defendant provided evidence and is awaiting sentencing.
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TT - Hawaii has a huge problem with drug-dealing teachers. In response, the state negotiated an agreement with teachers that in exchange for an 8% raise, they accept random drug testing. It was opposed by the union. When members voted, however, they accepted the testing with a 63% vote.

Entry Entry Entry Entry
Hawaii Board of Education Refuses to pay for drug testing Entry
Reform stifled in Hawaii Entry

Why no teacher has lost their license. Entry
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NO CONTEST PLEA August 7 - Ohia Aniban pleaded no contest to criminal conspiracy and two counts of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug. Her husband was sentenced a day earlier to 20 years in prison. He will spend four years in prison before he becomes eligible for parole.

In exchange for her pleas to the reduced charges, the prosecution agreed to dismiss four other charges - two counts of possessing drug paraphernalia, second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug and promoting a controlled substance near a public park. As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution could ask that Ohia Aniban spend up to six months in jail when she is sentenced Oct. 16.