Maui Official, Bizman Accused of $2M Bribery Scheme

HONOLULU – A former director of the Maui County Department of Environmental Management and a Honolulu businessman are facing federal charges in a sprawling bribery scheme that allegedly funneled $2 million in illicit payments and $19 million in county contracts to the businessman’s firm. Stewart Olani Stant, the ex-official, and Milton Choy, the businessman, are accused of a six-year conspiracy to defraud Maui County taxpayers.

The feds allege Stant, who held his post from December 2015 to December 2018, accepted a torrent of bribes from Choy between October 2012 and December 2018. The payments weren’t small change: cash, bank deposits, casino chips for high-roller trips to Las Vegas, and “other gifts” totaling up to $2 million. In return, Stant allegedly steered no-bid contracts to Choy’s company, H2O Processes, LLC, effectively rigging the system to benefit a single entity.

The charges detail “conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud,” a particularly damning accusation. Prosecutors argue Stant didn’t just take money; he actively betrayed the public trust, failing to provide Maui County with unbiased and conflict-free service. This wasn’t about a simple lapse in judgment – it was a calculated effort to exploit a position of power for personal gain. The scale of the alleged fraud is significant, with nearly $20 million in contracts awarded under suspicious circumstances.

Choy isn’t being portrayed as a passive participant. He’s charged with directly bribing Stant, and the feds are emphasizing the scale of the financial impact. Because the contracts exceeded $5,000 and Maui County received over $10,000 in federal funding annually, the bribery violates federal law, triggering the involvement of the FBI and federal prosecutors. This isn’t a local issue; it’s a federal crime with potentially far-reaching consequences.

If convicted, Stant faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Choy is looking at a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars and the same hefty fine. However, these are just potential penalties; the legal battle is just beginning. Both men maintain their innocence, and the burden of proof rests with the feds. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ken Sorenson, Micah Smith, and Michael Albanese handling the prosecution.

This case is a stark reminder that public corruption remains a persistent threat, even in seemingly idyllic locations. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely, exposing the details and holding those responsible accountable. Expect more revelations as the evidence is presented in court, and a deeper look into the practices within the Maui County Department of Environmental Management.