After a rash of bad publicity, it appears pop diva Whitney Houston can finally exhale, at least for today.

APBnews.com has learned that the Hawaii County Prosecutor's Office will not file charges against the multimedia star for alleged possession of more than 15 grams of marijuana -- although that could change pending further investigation by police.

The news follows Houston's triumphant return to the stage at Monday night's Arista Records silver anniversary gala, where it was reported that the multiple-Grammy winner received two standing ovations.

'This is not one of our major cases'

The Bodyguard star's recent behavior has led to press-generated rumors about her alleged drug use. She was replaced by singer Faith Hill for a performance at the Academy Awards at the 11th hour. Prior to that, she had failed to show up at a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony to induct Arista Records mogul Clive Davis -- one of her personal mentors.

Jay Kimura, prosecutor for Hawaii County, indicated that further action against Houston is unlikely. "This is not one of our major cases," he said, chuckling.

Kimura said it is standard practice for the prosecutor's office to return cases to police to fill in any gaps in their investigation.

Hawaii County Vice Squad Lt. Robert Hickock, who had turned the case over to Kimura a few weeks ago, was unaware of Kimura's decision and said he could not yet comment on what gaps there might be in the case.

A lab report confirmed that the bag found on Houston in January by airport security officers contained marijuana. Fingerprints found on the container were tested, but Hickock would not say whether the prints matched Houston's.

In Hawaii, she walked away from guards at Keahole-Kona International Airport after they found the pot. The agents were not allowed to detain her because the private firm can make arrests only for crimes related to airport security.

By the time police arrived, Houston's plane to San Francisco had departed.

'They all gave the same story'

Hickock said investigators interviewed guards and eyewitnesses, and "they all gave the same story. We talked to just about everyone she came into contact with at the airport." He added that authorities did not talk to Houston.

Brook Hart, Houston's Hawaii-based attorney handling the matter, did not return a call for comment.

If ever charged and convicted, Houston would face a maximum 30 days in jail or a fine of $ 1,000 for the petty misdemeanor.


Christian Boone is an APBnews.com correspondent.