夏威夷州副州长Sylvia Luke、前州众议院议员Ryan Yamane、交通部机场管理员Ford Fuchigami和州规划官Leo Asuncion因大规模公共腐败丑闻被起诉，四人在周四的法庭听证会上均作出不认罪答辩[1]。检察机构指控这四名被告与商人Tobi Solidum合谋受贿[1]。
根据控方指控，Luke因促成用于新冠检测的州资金而承诺获得超过3.5万美元的竞选捐款[1]。Luke和Asuncion还被指控提交虚假竞选财务报告，隐瞒Solidum及其继女提供的1万美元捐款[1]。Solidum则被控向Fuchigami和Yamane提供现金和支票贿赂，以影响立法提案[1]。这次腐败事件涉及2022年1月20日在檀香山Ala Moana地区Morton's The Steakhouse餐厅举行的晚宴[1]。法院将审判日期定为9月28日[1]。
Four current and former state officials pleaded not guilty on Thursday to charges stemming from an alleged corruption scheme in Hawaii.[1] The defendants include Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, former state representative Ryan Yamane, Transportation Department airport administrator Ford Fuchigami, and state planning official Leo Asuncion.[1]
Prosecutors allege the officials conspired with businessman Tobi Solidum to solicit and accept bribes in exchange for official action.[1] Luke specifically faces charges that she promised to secure campaign contributions exceeding $35,000 in connection with directing state funds for COVID-19 testing.[1] Both Luke and Asuncion are accused of submitting false campaign finance reports to conceal a $10,000 contribution from Solidum and his stepdaughter.[1] Authorities allege that Solidum also provided cash and check bribes to Fuchigami and Yamane to influence legislative action.[1] According to investigators, a pivotal bribery meeting took place on January 20, 2022, at Morton's The Steakhouse at Ala Moana.[1] Trial is scheduled for September 28.[1]