HILO — A Waimea woman who sold methamphetamine from an apartment next to a school has been sentenced to a year in jail.

Circuit Judge Glenn Hara also ordered Deborah Solomon, 42, to five years probation and suspended six months of Solomon's jail term, provided she does not get into further legal trouble. He also sentenced Solomon to 300 hours of community service, and allowed her to remain free on bail until April 13, so she could finish up a drug education and rehabilitation program.

"Miss Solomon, if you mess up between now and jail, don't be surprised if the other six months is imposed," Hara told Solomon yesterday.

Solomon pleaded guilty in September to a single count of promoting a controlled substance, a Class C felony that carries a possible five-year jail term. She was arrested Aug. 8, 2007, with six packets of crystal methamphetamine weighing a total of about a gram. Solomon's apartment, the point of sale, was next to the Kanu o ka Aina New Century Public Charter School, which serves kindergarten to 12th grade.

Deputy Prosecutor Jason Skier argued for the maximum sentence, adding that Solomon's sale of drugs was motivated by greed.

"She was on public assistance and wasn't getting enough money to live the lifestyle she wanted, so she sold drugs," he said.

Skier said Solomon was not selling the drugs to schoolchildren, but said the sale of drugs near the school served to "expose children to unsavory characters going by and buying drugs from her."

Solomon's attorney, Deputy Public Defender Jennifer Wharton, said Solomon grew up in a family where drug abuse was the norm and "didn't know anything different." She said Solomon was making progress in a program administered by the Big Island Substance Abuse Council.

"At first, she said it was about the money, but later, she admitted that she has a drug problem," Wharton said. "She's doing her best to get out of her situation and to improve her situation."

Solomon broke down in tears and addressed the court between sniffles.

"I am very sorry for everything I did," Solomon told the judge. "(Skier) says it's all greed, but I have a disease. I was contributing to other people's addiction, as well. I didn't realize that until I talked to (a drug counselor)."

Hara called the sale of drugs next to a school an "aggravating factor," but told Solomon that allowing her to finish the BISAC program before she is jailed is intended to "help ensure your success in what you have started."

"If you don't, it's your kuleana," he said.

"Thank you, your Honor," Solomon replied.