Luke among 5 indicted by grand jury following massive bribery probe

Key Points:

• A 12-count grand jury indictment concluded the Hawaii State Capitol bribery probe, stemming from a federal case that imprisoned former Rep. Ty Cullen and Sen. Kalani English.
• Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke was indicted on conspiracy, bribery, and falsifying election documents charges; she took unpaid leave in April and surrendered with bail set at $80,000.
• Other indicted individuals include Ryan Yamane, former DHS director; Ford Fuchigami, Department of Transportation administrator; Leo Asuncion Jr., former Public Utilities Commission chair; and lobbyist Tobi Solidum, who fled to the Philippines.
• The indictment alleges cash bribes linked to emergency COVID-19 testing contracts, with Solidum providing payments to Yamane and Fuchigami, and campaign donations to Luke in exchange for support.
• Governor Josh Green called for Luke’s resignation amid the scandal, which experts believe could expand with additional charges as the investigation continues.