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Ala Moana board urges legislative investigation into reported $35,000 payment
Summary
The neighborhood board passed a unanimous resolution calling on the Hawai‘i Legislature to convene an investigatory committee and asked that findings be referred to the attorney general and appropriate authorities.
The Ala Moana Neighborhood Board on Jan. 27 unanimously passed a resolution urging the state legislature to investigate a reported $35,000 payment referenced in federal court filings and to identify an "influential legislator" named in those filings.
Second Vice Chair Dale Vanderbrink introduced the resolution, which cites a sealed FBI report and states that no federal charges have been filed and the influential legislator’s identity has not been publicly disclosed. Vanderbrink said the neighborhood board’s resolution asks the legislature to convene an investigative committee vested with subpoena and contempt powers, to hold public hearings, identify the person referenced in the federal filings consistent with applicable law, and determine whether any state laws or rules were violated.
The resolution also directs that copies be sent to the governor, the leadership of both legislative chambers, the Hawaii attorney general and all neighborhood boards. During discussion members added language to specifically ask the attorney general to clarify whether the individual named in federal filings is a sitting legislator.
"If their name goes unknown...then they basically got got away with a crime," Vanderbrink said, arguing that public trust requires transparency and accountability. Members described the measure as a "common sense" call for more information and encouraged state action.
Vote and next steps
The board approved the amended resolution unanimously. The resolution as drafted asks the legislature to use existing rules (the draft cites Senate Rule 67, House Rule 46 and HRS 21-3) to convene an investigative committee and, as warranted, refer findings to the Hawaii Attorney General or other relevant state entities.
Ending
The board's action is an advisory resolution urging state institutions to act; it does not direct law enforcement action but asks the legislature and the attorney general to pursue the information and report back to the public as allowed by law.
