Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii.
KITV 4's Chloe Marklay was at federal court today and has details on his sentencing.
HONOLULU (KITV4) -- Former Director of Environmental Management for Maui County, Stewart Stant, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for accepting $2 million worth of bribes from former Honolulu businessman Milton Choy.
Judge Derrick Watson said this is the largest known bribery case to date. He said Stant betrayed the public and caused them to lose trust in public officials.
Watson said 10 years is a sufficient amount of time to get the message across that this behavior will not be tolerated.
"The behavior was outrageous on every front. We're talking about a man betraying public trust for his own personal benefits" Watson said.
Judge Derrick Watson said Stant could be fined up to 250,000 under law, but decided not to fine Stant. Prosecutors sought forfeiture of 2 million dollars from Stant and Judge Watson agreed to this.
The chair for the "Commission to improve standards of conduct", Dan Foley works alongside his team to ensure state laws contain clear standards, enforcement and penalties.
The commissions goal is to create transparency and accountability for the Hawaii government through proposed bills that work to do just that.
Foley says Stant's actions has led the public to lack trust in the government. He hopes his commission can continue to work to gain the community's trust back.
He says Stant's sentence is deserved and it should be a warning to those in power not to make the same mistake.
"The message has to be sent out to state and cunty officials and employees that if you engage in corrupt practices you will be caught and you will pay" shares Foley.
Matthew has been the digital content manager for KITV4 since September 2021. Matthew is a prolific writer, editor, and self-described "newsie" who's worked in television markets in Oklahoma, California, and Hawaii.
