Hawai‘i Lt. Gov. Luke taking leave of absence indefinitely amid corruption accusations

Hawai‘i Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke has decided to take an indefinite leave of absence without pay, following months of public scrutiny in which she is linked to a corruption case involving an “influential legislator” who allegedly received about $35,000, and possibly in a paper bag.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Luke said this decision was not made lightly.

“Serving the people of Hawai‘i has been the honor of my professional life, and I remain deeply committed to the responsibilities entrusted to me,” Luke stated. “I understand that allegations which have been made against me are concerning. I ask for the public’s understanding and to allow this process to move forward appropriately.”

Luke’s announcement comes four days after she announced she would not seek reelection for the state’s second-highest office.

On Wednesday night, David M. Louie, attorney for Luke and the Friends of Sylvia Luke, released a statement confirming his office had received a letter from the Special Investigations and Prosecution Division of the Department of the Attorney General stating that Luke is the target of a bribery investigation.

Louie went on to say the letter didn’t provide his office with details or evidence against Luke.

“Frankly, I am surprised that bribery charges are being considered,” Louie stated. “I have seen no evidence that she acted with anything but integrity and honesty. Should charges be brought against the Lieutenant Governor, they will be vigorously defended.”

Under the justice system, Louie said every person must be presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.

“On behalf of Lieutenant Governor Luke and her campaign, I ask the public and the media to allow the legal process to unfold before jumping to conclusions,” he said.

Luke reportedly acknowledged she might be the “influential state legislator” cited in federal court documents, but she told state media outlets that checks were returned.

With Luke out of the race, and now stepping down, it provides an easier path for term-limited Kauaʻi Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, who previously announced his candidacy for Hawaiʻi’s second-highest position on March 17.