Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke denies taking $35k, may be mystery lawmaker

Luke acknowledges she accepted $10,000 in checks from people introduced by former state Rep. Ty Cullen, who pleaded guilty to bribery.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke says she did not take $35,000 in a paper bag from former state Rep. Ty Cullen, who pleaded guilty to bribery, but she acknowledges she accepted $10,000 in checks from people Cullen introduced her to in 2022. Luke says she later returned the $10,000 due to concerns over Cullen's ties to a businessman involved in the bribery scheme. The state attorney general has opened an investigation into the mystery lawmaker who allegedly accepted $35,000, and Luke says she may be that person.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about political corruption in Hawaii's state government, following the high-profile bribery convictions of former lawmakers Ty Cullen and J. Kalani English. The investigation into the mystery $35,000 payment has fueled public distrust and calls for greater transparency and accountability among state legislators.

The details

In January 2022, Luke was invited to dinner by businessman Tobi Solidum, who asked her to invite Cullen. At the dinner, Luke says she received $10,000 in checks from Solidum and his daughter Kristen Pae to support her campaign for lieutenant governor. Luke later returned the $10,000, citing concerns over Cullen's ties to a businessman involved in the bribery scheme. Luke says she did not receive $35,000 in a paper bag, as alleged in a separate federal corruption probe.

  • In January 2022, Luke attended a dinner with Tobi Solidum and Ty Cullen.
  • In February 2022, Luke gave back the $10,000 she received from Solidum and his daughter.
  • In March 2022, Luke reported receiving the $10,000 from Solidum and his daughter, citing a 'clerical oversight' in not reporting it earlier.

The players

Sylvia Luke

Hawaii's lieutenant governor who acknowledges she may be the mystery lawmaker at the center of a state investigation into the alleged acceptance of $35,000 in a paper bag.

Ty J.K. Cullen

Former state representative who pleaded guilty in 2022 to taking bribes from 2014 to 2021 from a Honolulu businessman.

Tobi Solidum

Businessman who invited Lt. Gov. Luke to dinner in 2022 and introduced her to Ty Cullen.

Kristen Pae

Daughter of Tobi Solidum who attended the 2022 dinner with Lt. Gov. Luke and Ty Cullen.

Josh Green

Hawaii's governor who jointly determined with the state attorney general that an investigation into the alleged $35,000 payment is in the public interest.

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What they’re saying

“Ty Cullen was charged with a crime. The way I knew Tobi was through Ty … I knew them to be close. 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, Hawaii Lieutenant Governor (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

“The facts are 'very confusing' and 'don't line up,' she said. 'But at the same time you still got to wonder'”

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

What’s next

The state attorney general's office has opened an investigation into the alleged $35,000 payment to an unnamed lawmaker. Lt. Gov. Luke says she has not been interviewed by the FBI as part of their ongoing public corruption probe.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing challenges Hawaii faces in rooting out political corruption, even as the state takes steps to increase transparency and accountability among its lawmakers. The investigation into the mystery $35,000 payment has fueled public distrust and highlighted the need for stronger ethical standards and oversight in the state legislature.