Sylvia Luke and four others were indicted in a major Hawaii state bribery scandal following a six-month investigation.
Sylvia Luke was indicted on criminal conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery, and falsifying election documents following a state attorney general’s bribery probe. The investigation, which is considered the largest bribery scandal in state history, resulted in a 12-count grand jury indictment. The probe originated from a federal bribery case involving former state representatives. While the indictment does not allege Luke took direct cash, it highlights her role in pushing for a COVID-19 testing program. Other officials, including Ryan Yamane and Ford Fuchigami, were indicted for allegedly accepting direct cash payments from lobbyist Tobi Solidum. Governor Josh Green issued a statement regarding the findings, noting that Luke should consider a formal resignation to allow the state to move forward. While some experts believe the case is a significant resolution, others suggest the investigation may continue as more participants in the scheme are identified. Luke, Fuchigami, and Leo Asuncion Jr. turned themselves in Friday and posted $80,000 bail each.