The Hawaiʻi state representative said the political landscape shifted once Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke opted not to run for reelection while facing criminal investigation. 

His retirement comes as questions swirl about his connection to millions of dollars in state funds appropriated to address the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Leo Caires says he was wrongfully terminated after reporting county fraud.

Pacific Resource Partnership has become a major player in the state’s most important political races.

Bribery charges are being considered, Luke’s attorney confirmed.

The announcement comes amid an ongoing attorney general investigation.

But state Rep. Jarrett Keohokalole has mounted a strong challenge and has attracted significant donors.

The governor also says he will likely tap into the state’s “rainy day” reserve to draw down hundreds of millions of dollars to balance the state budget.

The state Republican Party just elected its third chair in six months while several party officials have recently resigned over fights with leadership.

When the Elections Commission loses focus, administrators can’t make routine improvements, voters lose trust and lawmakers must referee performative fights.