HONOLULU -- The trial of a man charged in a double killing was abruptly canceled on Wednesday after the federal government took over the case.

Three men were charged in the gambling-related slaying at Pali Golf Course, which happened four years ago this month. The city's prosecutor asked a judge to drop state charges against the men because their trial on federal racketeering charges will take priority.

The attorney for one defendant, Rodney Joseph Jr., accused the state of wasting money to prosecute the case.

"This is the trial date. After four years, he's been in custody and so I am saying there are some special circumstances here and really this should be looked at, and we are asking the court to dismiss it for lack of prosecution," defense attorney Reginald Minn said.

The judge dismissed the charges, but left open the chance they could be brought up again.

The federal trial of all three defendants begins next month. If convicted, they could get life without parole.