Democratic Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke was indicted by a grand jury Friday on charges of criminal conspiracy to commit bribery, bribery and falsifying candidate committee reports stemming from an alleged bribe she took as a state lawmaker in 2022.
The indictment alleges that local businessman and lobbyist Tobi Solidum offered Luke a $35,000 bribe connected to a COVID-19 testing contract a company he represented had with the state. Luke has denied taking more than $10,000 and denied any money influenced her lawmaking.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic allies of Luke have pointed to her denial of wrongdoing as she maintains her innocence in the case.
"I never granted special favors to a contributor," Luke said in a social media post. "I prized integrity and honesty above all throughout my career."
Supporters note that Luke admitted to accepting only $10,000 in campaign contributions from Solidum, which is below the threshold she is accused of receiving. Her office has not issued additional public statements beyond her initial denial.
Democratic Gov. Josh Green, while calling for her resignation, acknowledged the complexity of the situation when speaking with local outlet Maui Now on Friday: "The lieutenant governor needs to consider formally resigning to address this matter and so that the state of Hawaiʻi can move forward."
What the Right Is Saying
Republican critics have pointed to the detailed nature of the indictment as evidence that Luke should step aside immediately while the case proceeds.
"These are serious charges that strike at the heart of public trust," said one Republican member of the Hawaii State Legislature who requested anonymity to comment on an ongoing legal matter.
The Hawaii GOP issued a statement calling for Luke's resignation, arguing that the lieutenant governor cannot effectively serve in her role while defending against criminal bribery charges. The party noted that the indictment includes specific details about alleged conversations and financial transactions.
What the Numbers Show
According to prosecutors, Solidum allegedly gave Luke two $5,000 checks at a steakhouse meeting in January 2022, with promises of additional payments totaling $70,000 over time. The indictment alleges Solidum told Luke "By next week, we'll have 35, so it will be halfway to our 70" referring to the promised total.
Luke has acknowledged accepting the two $5,000 checks but denies receiving any money beyond those initial contributions to her campaign committee Friends of Sylvia Luke.
The case stems from state Attorney General Anne Lopez's January investigation, which grew out of a federal bribery probe. Four other individuals were also indicted: Solidum, former state representative Ryan Yamane, Hawaii Transportation Department official Ford Fuchigami, and Leo Asunción, a former public utilities commission official.
The Bottom Line
Luke now faces a decision on whether to resign as lieutenant governor while fighting these charges or remain in office during the legal proceedings. If she were to step down, Gov. Green would appoint her successor.
The case is expected to proceed through Hawaii's state court system, where Luke will have an opportunity to respond formally to the charges. Her trial date has not yet been set.
The indictment adds to a series of recent political corruption cases in Hawaii following the federal conviction of former Honolulu Police Chief Louis Keore in an unrelated bribery case last year.