Maui Official Gets 10 Years for $2M Bribery Scheme

HONOLULU – Stewart Olani Stant, the ex-Director of Maui County’s Department of Environmental Management, will spend the next decade in federal prison after being convicted of Honest Services Wire Fraud. Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson slapped Stant with the ten-year sentence and a $1.9 million forfeiture order, stemming from a brazen scheme to trade lucrative government contracts for cold, hard cash and lavish perks.

Between October 2012 and December 2018, while overseeing Maui County’s DEM, Stant systematically abused his power. Businessman Milton Choy funneled up to $2 million in bribes to Stant – cash, bank deposits, and even all-expenses-paid gambling trips to Las Vegas – in exchange for sole-source contracts. These weren’t small potatoes; Choy’s company raked in over $19 million in non-competitive deals, all thanks to Stant’s betrayal of public trust.

The feds say Stant didn’t even bother to hide the corruption. He knowingly steered contracts to Choy’s firm, bypassing standard bidding processes and effectively rigging the system. He failed to disclose the massive bribes, depriving the citizens of Maui County of honest and conflict-free government services. This wasn’t just a lapse in judgment; it was a calculated effort to line his own pockets at the expense of the public.

U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors made it clear: this case isn’t an isolated incident. “This sentence sends a strong message that we will aggressively prosecute public officials who abuse their positions for personal gain,” she stated. The FBI, which led the investigation, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing their commitment to rooting out corruption at all levels of government. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher H. Thomas and Keala K.L. Augustine skillfully built the case against Stant.

Milton Choy’s involvement remains a key part of the investigation. While Stant is headed to prison, the feds are likely scrutinizing Choy’s business dealings and potential co-conspirators. This isn’t just about one corrupt official; it’s about dismantling an entire network of greed and deceit. The message is clear: if you exploit public office for personal profit, the feds will come for you.

This sentencing follows recent convictions in similar public corruption cases, signaling a renewed federal focus on holding officials accountable. Another Maui County official faces charges, and a former state representative is already serving time for bribery. The feds are digging deep, and more indictments are expected. The Department of Justice’s website offers resources for reporting fraud and understanding government oversight. This isn’t just a local story; it’s a national warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of ethical governance.