The messages capture the development of a “corrupt relationship,” the feds say.

Lurking in the background of an alleged conspiracy to bribe Honolulu’s prosecutor is a separate but related issue: donations made under a false name to circumvent campaign limits.

The prosecution accuses the defendants of using campaign cash to “intimidate, oppress and imprison” an innocent woman. The defense painted a different picture. 

Changes to federal sentencing guidelines mean dozens of Hawaii prisoners, including those in high-profile corruption cases, are now eligible for early release.

Allegations of impropriety have dogged Dennis Mitsunaga for years. A jury will decide whether the money he allegedly funneled to the city prosecutor constitutes a criminal conspiracy.

The trial of former Honolulu prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro and those accused of bribing him will begin next month.

Judge Timothy Burgess will decide whether to split the trial in two, among other requests from attorneys.

The investigation was revealed as Sheri Tanaka is awaiting trial on charges that she conspired to bribe a former Honolulu prosecutor.

At a bail review hearing, the conditions of Sheri Tanaka’s pretrial release could be modified, or she could be sent to jail to await trial.

Meanwhile, defendant Sheri Tanaka is trying to sever herself from the case for reasons that are being kept secret.