Hawaii Governor Cancels D.C. Trip to Avoid Lt. Governor Filling In

Green cites 'recent events' and need for 'steady leadership' as Lt. Gov. Luke faces investigation

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Hawaii Governor Josh Green has canceled his upcoming trip to Washington, D.C. for the National Governors Association's Winter Meeting, citing the need for 'steady leadership' in the state amid an investigation into Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke. Luke acknowledged she may be the 'influential state legislator' being investigated for allegedly accepting $35,000 in a bag in 2022.

Why it matters

The investigation into Lt. Governor Luke's alleged acceptance of undocumented campaign contributions has raised concerns about public trust in Hawaii's government. Green's decision to cancel his out-of-state travel aims to avoid any disruption in the state's leadership during this active investigation phase.

The details

According to reports, Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke said she did not take $35,000 in a paper bag in 2022, but she may be the lawmaker mentioned in a federal investigation. Luke updated her 2022 campaign finance documents to report $10,000 in donations she later returned. Green stated that 'accountability is essential' and he wants the facts released to the public as soon as possible 'for the good of our public trust'.

  • On February 13, 2026, Gov. Josh Green announced he was canceling his upcoming trip to Washington, D.C.
  • In January 2022, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke had dinner with an FBI informant, Ty J.K. Cullen, who later pleaded guilty to taking bribes.

The players

Josh Green

The Governor of Hawaii who canceled his trip to Washington, D.C. to ensure 'steady leadership' in the state amid an investigation into Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke.

Sylvia Luke

The Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii who acknowledged she may be the 'influential state legislator' being investigated for allegedly accepting $35,000 in a bag in 2022.

Ty J.K. Cullen

A former state representative who was working as an FBI informant when he had dinner with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke in January 2022.

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What they’re saying

“In light of recent events and to ensure steady leadership for our state during this time, I have canceled out-of-state travel for this month, including my attendance at this long-planned conference.”

— Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“Accountability is essential — no one gets a free pass. We are in an active phase of this effort led by our attorney general and I want to see all of the facts released to the people of our state as expeditiously as possible. This needs to be resolved for the good of our public trust.”

— Josh Green, Governor of Hawaii (hawaiitribune-herald.com)

“I felt uncomfortable about keeping the donations from Tobi and his daughter ... because of his affiliation with Ty and to some extent, Milton (Choy).”

— Sylvia Luke, Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

What’s next

The state Attorney General's investigation into the allegations against the 'influential state legislator' is ongoing, and the results are expected to be released to the public as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government, as well as the need to swiftly address any allegations of improper conduct to maintain public trust. Governor Green's decision to cancel his out-of-state travel demonstrates his commitment to providing steady leadership during this active investigation phase.