Concerns are mounting regarding a lawmaker allegedly involved in a $35,000 bribery scandal. A recent petition has emerged, urging legislative action to investigate this troubling situation. The call for an inquiry stems from federal court documents that reveal a highly regarded state legislator accepted a significant bribe but has remained uncharged.
Details of the Scandal
The Change.org petition demands that lawmakers immediately establish an investigative committee. This committee should hold public hearings and possess subpoena and contempt powers. The goal is to determine if any state laws or ethical standards were breached.
- Petition initiated by retired federal public defender Alexander Silvert.
- Involvement of influential state legislator in a $35,000 bribe.
- Previous convictions of former Senator J. Kalani English and former Representative Ty Cullen for taking bribes.
- English and Cullen served time and were released in 2024.
Background of the Case
This scandal resurfaces nearly three years after the convictions of English and Cullen, who accepted bribes from Milton Choy, a wastewater company owner. Choy passed away while serving time in prison. The latest developments were uncovered following a lawsuit by the Honolulu Civil Beat and Public First Law Center, which sought to unseal redacted court documents.
Substantial information was disclosed, including an operation from January 2022. The former representative, Ty Cullen, who cooperated with the FBI, recorded a conversation where the state legislator accepted a bribe intended for campaign use. Despite these revelations, no charges have yet been filed against the implicated lawmaker.
The Call for Transparency
Dan Foley, a retired judge and former chair of the State’s Commission to Improve Standards of Conduct, voiced concerns about the unsolved case. He believes credible evidence exists regarding a sitting or former legislator accepting a bribe, casting doubt over the integrity of the legislature until clarified.
Foley urged lawmakers to take the petition seriously, referencing the historical context of the Commission’s actions. Established in 2022, the Commission aimed to enhance transparency and accountability within state government.
Statute of Limitations and Legislative Action
Tom Simon, a retired FBI agent, clarified that the statute of limitations for bribe acceptance as a state official generally lasts five years. The timeline indicates that the three-year gap could still allow for potential prosecution. However, Silvert cautioned against delaying action, emphasizing the need for immediate investigation.
- Three years since the bribery incident.
- Statute of limitations allows prosecution up to five years.
Political analysts, including Colin Moore, suggest that prompt legislative action would foster public trust. A definitive response to the allegations would reinforce faith in elected officials and their commitment to integrity.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Silvert plans to file the petition with the legislature before the year’s end. The petition does not require a minimum number of signatures for submission. However, it represents a potentially uncomfortable challenge for lawmakers.
Camron Hurt, director of Common Cause Hawaii, highlighted that the $35,000 bribe represents a significant threat to the institution’s integrity. The outcome of this investigation remains uncertain, but the push for accountability continues to gain momentum.
