New statements by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke make “no sense whatsoever,” a local attorney says, and deserve an investigation free of conflicts of interest.

The lieutenant governor is only now reporting money she received four years ago as a bribery scandal continues to roil the Hawaiʻi Legislature.

The fact that the AG is now investigating the $35,000 potential bribe is a good thing. But it doesn’t let the Legislature off the hook.

A state lawmaker took $35,000 from a federal bribery subject in 2022. Hawaiʻi prosecutors are now in charge of the case.

Civil Beat contacted all the potential suspects. Many were quick to deny involvement. Some let others speak for them. Others remain silent. 

Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez says the state won’t pursue an investigation, but lawmakers are facing pressure to launch their own probe.

The House is reviewing a petition to investigate $35,000 given to a lawmaker in a paper bag. The Senate so far is mum.

Newly public court documents accuse Christopher Dawson and other executives not only of stealing from their federal contracting business but shortchanging Native Hawaiians in the process.

Hawaiʻi should consider establishing an independent entity to operate in the space between criminal prosecution and legislative discipline.

Pressure has been building on legislative leaders to launch their own investigation into the possible bribe of one of their members.