State initiates investigation into Hawai‘i legislator following agreement to share evidence with feds

The state of Hawaiʻi has initiated an investigation following an agreement with federal authorities to share evidence with state authorities involving an unnamed “influential state legislator” who is alleged to have accepted approximately $35,000 in funds.

Federal authorities informed state officials on Jan. 16 that they would provide the Attorney General with evidence concerning the alleged incident, according to a news release from the Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General.

That decision by federal authorities to share evidence “provided a clear path for the Attorney General to proceed without jeopardizing the ongoing federal investigation.”

Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green and Attorney General Anne Lopez jointly determined that a state investigation into this matter is in the public interest.

In recent weeks, Hawaiʻi state legislative leadership, while deferring to the Attorney General’s previous recommendations to hold on investigating this matter, has also strongly urged that the matter be formally reviewed to ensure accountability and transparency.

“Green has consistently emphasized the importance of individuals coming forward voluntarily when concerns arise, expressing his hope that matters can be resolved in a way that maintains public trust in government,” the release stated.

Lopez also determined that an investigation into the alleged conduct was in the public interest. The Department of the Attorney General’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division will lead the investigation.

Green and Lopez will not comment further on this matter to preserve the integrity of the investigation.