The Hawaii Attorney General reversed her prior stance on Tuesday, deciding to initiate a state investigation into a bribery case involving a notable legislator who was recorded in 2022 receiving $35,000 in cash concealed within a paper bag. This development follows information provided to state officials last Friday by federal prosecutors, who agreed to share evidentiary materials related to the incident.
The recording came from former state Representative Ty Cullen, who had been arrested for bribery in 2021 and subsequently cooperated with the FBI as an informant. In an effort to assist the ongoing investigation and potentially reduce his own sentencing, Cullen accepted $3,000 from an undisclosed subject involved in bribery and then captured on tape that individual handing $35,000 in cash to one of Cullen’s legislative colleagues. The identity of the recipient, described in court documents as influential, remains confidential and it is currently unclear whether the individual still holds public office.
This revelation has sparked significant public attention, particularly following disclosures made by investigative journalism outlets last year about the currency exchange. Key questions have surfaced regarding whether the payment constitutes a bribe, an unreported gift, a prohibited campaign contribution, or legal campaign funding pooled to garner political favor. These distinctions have implications under Hawaii state law, where improper campaign activities are subject to criminal penalties.
As scrutiny intensified, the issue evolved into a politically charged topic rife with speculation, placing pressure on state authorities to act before the window for filing potential charges under the statute of limitations closes. Until now, both the Attorney General and legislative leadership declined to pursue a state investigation to avoid interference with the federal case, which remains active and ongoing.
The increased advocacy for transparency included efforts by government accountability activist and attorney Alexander Silvert, who spearheaded a citizen petition encouraging the Legislature to compel disclosure of the lawmaker involved. Multiple current legislators also called for a formal legislative inquiry into the matter.
In a joint move reflecting public interest, Governor Josh Green and Attorney General Anne Lopez concluded that a state examination of the case is warranted. This decision was facilitated by federal authorities January 16 choice to provide evidence that allowed the state to proceed without compromising the federal investigation. The Attorney General’s special investigation and prosecution division, established in 2022 as a response to ongoing bribery scandals, will lead the inquiry. Both the Governor and Attorney General have pledged to refrain from further comment to preserve the investigation's integrity.
Supporters of the investigation greeted the Attorney Generals announcement with approval but simultaneously demanded the prompt disclosure of the $35,000 bandit lawmakers identity. Representative Della Au Belatti publicly advocated for openness, emphasizing the necessity to know whether the individual remains in legislative or executive office during a press conference at the federal courthouse.
Advocate Silvert, also present at the event, urged the Governor to instruct the Attorney General to reveal the individuals identity to the Legislature. He underscored that while the conduct may not ultimately be deemed illegal, the Legislature must have the authority to address appropriate consequences within their institution.
Both Belatti, affiliated with the Democratic Party and a congressional candidate, and Republican Kanani Souza have been persistent in pressing for a full state probe since last year. In a public letter dated July 2025, they requested the Attorney General clarify the circumstances behind the $35,000 payment and disclose findings to the public. Their goal is to ascertain whether laws were violated and, if not, to evaluate necessary legislative reforms to prevent erosion of public trust in government institutions.
Belatti also noted the possibility that if the funds were distributed among multiple lawmakers, those receiving such payments might consider returning them to uphold ethical standards. Until recently, the Attorney General had declined to open a state investigation, citing a direct conversation with Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson, who cautioned that parallel proceedings might disrupt the federal inquiry. Lopez expressed respect for the federal offices position, affirming her willingness to assist if called upon in the future.
Since that position, calls for action have intensified. Commencing January 6, Civil Beat contacted every current and former lawmaker who held office in 2022 to determine if they were the recipient of the cash, with nearly all denying involvement, aside from a few non-respondents and two deceased individuals. Silverts petition exceeded 1,000 signatures by Tuesday, reinforcing legislative calls for transparency. Representative Jarrett Keohokalole, also a congressional hopeful, is sponsoring legislation to extend the statute of limitations for bribery offenses from six to nine years, aiming to ensure ample time for prosecution.
Belatti cautioned that if the implicated lawmaker remains in office, safeguards must be implemented to prevent them from influencing legislation that could affect their own legal exposure. While the Attorney Generals office proceeds with its investigation, a coalition of House members urges the Legislature to initiate its own actions to resolve the matter fully. In a joint letter to House Speaker Nadine Nakamura, Representatives Belatti, Souza, Terez Amato, Elle Cochran, and Kim Coco Iwamoto inquired about management procedures for Silverts petition, underscoring the urgency to uncover the truth.
Moreover, this group recently requested clarification from Sorenson about whether the lawmaker who accepted the money is an active member of the Legislature, a question which has yet to receive a direct response. The ongoing situation continues to draw attention from various governance and accountability entities, highlighting the complex interplay between state and federal judicial proceedings in cases of political corruption.