David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
Hawaiʻi Attorney General To Investigate $35K Bribery Case After All
A state lawmaker took $35,000 from a federal bribery subject in 2022. Hawaiʻi prosecutors are now in charge of the case.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat
We Asked Hawaiʻi Lawmakers: Did You Take $35,000 In A Paper Bag?
Civil Beat contacted all the potential suspects. Many were quick to deny involvement. Some let others speak for them. Others remain silent.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
$35K Mystery Payment: Bill Would Extend Time To Prosecute
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez says the state won’t pursue an investigation, but lawmakers are facing pressure to launch their own probe.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021
$35K Mystery Payment: Petition Calls For Hawaiʻi Legislature To Investigate
The House is reviewing a petition to investigate $35,000 given to a lawmaker in a paper bag. The Senate so far is mum.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023
Justice Department: Well-Known Hawaiian Defense Contractor Embezzled Funds
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.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2015
Rep. Andrew Garrett: Earning Back Public Trust Requires Independent Oversight
Hawaiʻi should consider establishing an independent entity to operate in the space between criminal prosecution and legislative discipline.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
House Speaker Seeks Answers About The $35,000 Mystery Money The FBI Revealed
Pressure has been building on legislative leaders to launch their own investigation into the possible bribe of one of their members.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Apologizes For ‘Misinterpreting’ Case
Legal experts said Sabrina McKenna’s opinion on the case involving three former city officials was not related to the matter before the court.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2017
Convicted Officials May Be Innocent, Hawaiʻi Chief Justice Suggests
Three former Honolulu officials may have an opening to get their criminal records thrown out, one legal expert says.
David Croxford/Civil Beat/2025
Pay-To-Play: Hawaiʻi CEO Pressured Staff To Make Political Gifts
Court documents in an ongoing felony case reveal new details about how employees were reimbursed for making campaign donations.