Hawaii Indicts Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and 4 Others in 12-Count Bribery Case

3 articles · Updated · Hawaii News Now · Jul 25

A Hawaii grand jury returned a 12-count indictment against Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and four others, capping a six-month state attorney general probe tied to an earlier federal corruption case.
Luke faces conspiracy, bribery and falsifying election-document charges; former officials Ryan Yamane, Ford Fuchigami and Leo Asuncion Jr. were also charged, while lobbyist Tobi Solidum faces a no-bail warrant after reportedly leaving for the Philippines.
The indictment centers on Solidum’s push for a COVID-testing program that depended on $54 million in federal funds, alleging he offered Luke two $5,000 donations and up to $70,000 more while paying Yamane cash repeatedly and Fuchigami $7,000.
Former lawmaker Ty Cullen—who wore an FBI wire in 2022—was among five grand jury witnesses, and Gov. Josh Green said Luke should consider resigning so the state can move forward.
The case, described by experts as Hawaii’s biggest bribery scandal, could widen further as campaign-finance findings involving Luke’s committee have already been referred for additional investigation.