Lieutenant Governor Kai Malia faces a nine-count federal indictment for bribery, honest services wire fraud and money laundering. A grand jury in Honolulu returned the indictment late Thursday, alleging Malia used her office to benefit a major beachfront development in exchange for cash and undisclosed campaign contributions.
Prosecutors allege Malia accepted over $500,000 from executives at Horizon Holdings, a developer seeking approval for a luxury resort on Maui, between 2024 and 2026. Those funds were allegedly tied to her efforts to fast-track zoning variances for the project.
Malia allegedly directed state planning officials to approve environmental waivers and rezone a 40-acre parcel. The zoning change would have allowed increased density and taller structures, significantly boosting the project's value. Horizon Holdings stood to gain tens of millions of dollars from the expedited approvals.
The indictment follows a two-year investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Hawaii. If convicted on all counts, Malia faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Her arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 12 in Honolulu.
