WHEREAS, it has been reported in a document filed in federal court by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii that in 2022 former Representative Ty Cullen, working in an undercover capacity with the FBI, made a secret recording of an unknown individual giving “an influential legislator” $35,000 in cash or checks meant to influence “an existing campaign;”

WHEREAS, no federal charges have been filed to date and the name of the “influential legislator,” who may still be serving as a current legislator, remains unknown;

WHEREAS, no state agency or the state Legislature has taken action to investigate this transaction and whether it violated any state criminal, ethics, or campaign finance laws;

WHEREAS, the strength and stability of our democratic government rely on the public’s trust in the government’s institutions and officers to act with prudence, integrity, and good ethical judgment; and

WHEREAS, the loss of public trust in governmental institutions and their officers pose a serious threat to a democratic government;

WHEREAS, transparency of governmental actions and those of its officials fosters true democracy and the rule of law;

IT IS HEREIN PETITIONED, by the undersigned citizens of Hawaii, pursuant to Senate Rule 67 and House Rule 46, that the Senate, House, or both, under authority granted to them by HRS section 21-3, immediately convene an investigative committee with subpoena and contempt powers with hearings to be open to the public, to investigate what occurred during this purported transaction to determine whether any state laws or ethical rules were violated, to recommend appropriate action including legislative recommendations, and to make referrals to the state Attorney General office or other appropriate state entities.