Clean government groups push for special prosecutor in Hawaii

Advocates call for independent probe of alleged $35,000 bribery case involving state legislator

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:04am

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Advocates for campaign finance and 'clean government' reforms in Hawaii have renewed calls for the appointment of a special prosecutor to conduct an independent investigation into allegations that an unidentified 'influential state legislator' accepted $35,000 in a paper bag. The Clean Elections Hawai'i coalition, which includes over 40 organizations, gathered at the state Capitol to push for the independent review and the passage of campaign finance reform legislation.

Why it matters

The calls for a special prosecutor come as the state Attorney General's office is already investigating the bribery allegations, which originated from a federal probe that sent two former state legislators to prison. The case has raised concerns about corruption in Hawaii's political system and the need for stronger campaign finance laws to limit the influence of money in politics.

The details

The allegations center around an unnamed 'influential state legislator' who allegedly accepted $35,000 in a paper bag. Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke has acknowledged she may be the lawmaker in question, but insists she did not accept the money and has done nothing wrong. The Clean Elections Hawai'i coalition is pushing for bills that would create a public financing system for candidates and prohibit campaign donations from family members of those with state contracts.

  • On Feb. 14, Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez said her office has issued 'multiple subpoenas and completed several interviews' as part of an investigation that originated with a federal bribery case.
  • On Jan. 20, Lopez announced a parallel state investigation into the allegations first raised in the U.S. Department of Justice probe.

The players

Clean Elections Hawai'i coalition

A coalition of over 40 organizations advocating for campaign finance and 'clean government' reforms in Hawaii.

Anne E. Lopez

The Hawaii Attorney General overseeing the state's investigation into the bribery allegations.

Sylvia Luke

The Hawaii Lieutenant Governor who has acknowledged she may be the 'influential state legislator' at the center of the bribery allegations.

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What they’re saying

“As I have said, I support the Attorney General's process for a thoughtful and quick investigation.”

— Sylvia Luke, Hawaii Lieutenant Governor

“It is an election year and the time for excuses and delays is over. The time for action is now. Legislators have an opportunity to put an end to the confusion and restore the public trust and heal before this legislative session ends. And we will be demanding that they do just that.”

— Evan Weber, Leader, Clean Elections Hawai'i coalition

What’s next

The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear three bribery-related bills on Tuesday morning, including measures to increase penalties for bribery, impose a longer statute of limitations, and create a new offense for failing to report bribery by an elected official.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about corruption and the influence of money in Hawaii's political system. The calls for a special prosecutor and the push for campaign finance reform legislation reflect the public's desire to restore trust in the state's government and ensure a more transparent and accountable political process.