(AP) — A former Hawaiʻi County council member has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $38,000 while serving as executive director of a state commission that administers community service programs. U.S. prosecutors say Stacy Higa spent the money on personal expenses, including $20,000 in “elective aesthetic dental care.” Prosecutors say he embezzled money from AmeriCorps, a program for volunteers who receive stipends to work in vulnerable and marginalized communities. Prosecutors say he also offered a bribe in return for grants from federal coronavirus relief funds. He was also former CEO of Na Leo TV on the Big Island.

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