$35K Bribe: AG Runs Down Clock with Another Useless Biweekly Update on 'Investigation'

Hawai'i Free Press

Friday, April 10, 2026

$35K Bribe: AG Runs Down Clock with Another Useless Biweekly Update on 'Investigation'
By News Release @ 6:50 PM :: 6227 Views :: Ethics, Hawaii State Government, Law Enforcement

ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ PROVIDES BIWEEKLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION

News Release 2026-15 from Department of the Attorney General, April 10, 2026

HONOLULU – The Department of the Attorney General today issued its regular biweekly update regarding the ongoing criminal investigation into the previously federally disclosed transfer of approximately $35,000 in funds.

The Department’s Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) has advanced its investigation by reviewing thousands of pages of subpoenaed materials and conducting 18 interviews that have helped refine the timeline of events surrounding the transaction and is bringing investigators closer to resolving key questions.

“I understand that people want answers and we want the same,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez. “Following the rule of law is paramount to ensure that individual constitutional rights are protected. Releasing information for any purpose other than to further the investigation would violate my oath of office and my promise to the people of Hawaiʻi.

Lopez added: “I appreciate the responsible reporting from the news media. More than anyone, journalists understand the importance of being absolutely certain of the facts before releasing information.”

The criminal investigation remains active. As such, the department cannot identify any individuals or discuss specific evidence. These standard investigative practices are necessary to maintain integrity of the investigation and uphold due process rights.

In line with its commitment to transparency, the department will continue providing biweekly public updates while safeguarding the integrity of the investigation. The next scheduled public update will be provided on Friday, April 24, 2026.

SA: State investigators conduct 18 interviews in campaign contribution probe | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ PROVIDES BIWEEKLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION

News Release 2026-14 from Department of the Attorney General, March 27, 2026

Since the department’s last communication, investigative activity has continued. Attorneys and investigators with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) are actively reviewing materials obtained through subpoenas and have taken additional steps to secure further records and evidence relevant to the process. SIPD has also continued conducting interviews as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to establish a complete factual record.

The matter remains an active criminal investigation. As such, the department is not yet in a position to identify any individuals who may be involved or discuss specific evidence. These standard investigative practices are necessary to maintain integrity of the investigation and uphold due process rights.

“The department’s work is proceeding deliberately and in accordance with our legal and ethical responsibilities. We remain committed to a thorough and impartial review of the facts,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez.

Consistent with its commitment to transparency, the department will continue to provide public updates on a biweekly basis, while safeguarding the integrity of the investigation.

The next scheduled public update will be provided on Friday, April 10, 2026.

(CLUE: Sine Die May 8 2026.)

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ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ PROVIDES BIWEEKLY UPDATE ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION

News Release 2026-12 from Department of the Attorney General, March 13, 2026

HONOLULU – Today, the Department of the Attorney General is providing its scheduled biweekly update regarding the ongoing criminal investigation into the transfer of approximately $35,000 in funds referenced in prior public statements.

The department continues to pursue this matter as a criminal investigation and, if evidence establishes that a crime has been committed, it will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Since the last update, the department continues to receive and examine materials received in response to the subpoenas and has issued more subpoenas to obtain documents and other evidence relevant to the matter. Special Investigations and Prosecution Division (SIPD) investigators have conducted additional interviews as part of the ongoing fact-gathering efforts.

Because this is an ongoing criminal investigation, the department cannot disclose the identities of any subject or subjects, describe specific evidence obtained, or comment on potential charges. Safeguarding the constitutional rights – including the presumption of innocence, due process and the integrity of potential criminal proceedings – remains paramount.

The Attorney General reaffirms the department’s commitment to conducting the investigation methodically, carefully and in accordance with constitutional and ethical obligations.

The department will continue to provide public updates every other Friday, consistent with its commitment to transparency, while protecting the integrity of the investigative process. The next scheduled public update will be provided on Friday, March 27, 2026.

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