Hawaii House Speaker Calls for Probe into Corruption Allegations

The Speaker of the Hawaii House of Representatives, Nadine K. Nakamura, has formally requested a law enforcement investigation into allegations involving an unnamed state lawmaker who reportedly accepted $35,000 in campaign contributions in January 2022. This request comes amid ongoing concerns related to a federal public corruption probe that has already resulted in significant legal consequences for other legislators.

The investigation previously led to the convictions and prison sentences of former State Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English and former State House Committee on Finance Vice-Chair Ty J.K. Cullen. Both lawmakers pleaded guilty to wire fraud charges in February 2022 after accepting illicit cash, gifts, and other benefits in exchange for manipulating legislation to favor a Honolulu wastewater company. The fallout from this investigation has raised questions about integrity within the state government.

Details of the Investigation

The probe revealed that Stewart Olani Stant, the former director of the Maui County Department of Environmental Management, accepted over $2 million in bribes to secure contracts for the same wastewater company. Stant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deprive the public of honest services on September 19, 2023, and received a 10-year prison sentence on February 8, 2023.

In her letter sent on November 7, 2023, to acting U.S. Attorney for Hawaii Ken Sorenson and State Attorney General Anne E. Lopez, Nakamura emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability amidst these serious allegations. She inquired about the status of the ongoing federal investigation and whether state authorities could complement or interfere with federal efforts.

Cullen’s involvement in the investigation included recorded conversations with individuals implicated in the corruption. According to a federal court filing from May 18, 2023, Cullen met with an influential state legislator on January 20, 2022, during which he allegedly witnessed the transfer of approximately $35,000 intended for campaign use. The identity of this lawmaker has not been disclosed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Sorenson commented on the complexity of such investigations, highlighting the necessity for patience due to the time-consuming nature of gathering evidence. He expressed a commitment to engage with Nakamura regarding her concerns.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Hawaii’s Campaign Spending Commission imposes strict limits on campaign contributions, capping donations at $2,000 for two-year office candidates and $4,000 for four-year non-statewide office candidates. Contributions for statewide offices are limited to $6,000 during an election period.

In her correspondence with Lopez, Nakamura urged a review of the allegations to assess potential violations of state law. She emphasized that her request should not interfere with ongoing federal investigations but suggested that state authorities consider initiating their own inquiry if warranted.

Public Information Officer Toni Schwartz from the state Department of the Attorney General stated that while the department will not confirm or deny the existence of ongoing investigations, citizens can report corruption and fraud through the department’s website.

The allegations surrounding the unnamed lawmaker have sparked public interest and concern, leading former federal public defender Alexander Silvert to advocate for transparency regarding the investigation. Silvert has initiated a petition calling for the unmasking of the involved individuals and the establishment of a legislative committee with subpoena power to investigate the matter further. By Monday afternoon, the petition titled “Restore Public Trust — Investigate the Unknown Hawaii Legislator” had garnered 613 signatures.

As the investigation unfolds, the eyes of Hawaii remain focused on the actions of state lawmakers and the integrity of public office. The five-year statute of limitations for bringing criminal charges related to this case will expire in January 2027, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.