In complaints filed yesterday, the party says that both Democratic leaders used legislative stationery and identified themselves as elected officials in letters to Maui Circuit Judge E. John McConnell.
"This is a clear case of misuse of office and conflict of interest that borders on corruption of office," said Anthony Mondello, the party's second vice chairman for Maui. He said Souki wields influence over the Judiciary's budget and has an effect on judge's salaries because he appoints one member of the Judicial Salary Commission.
Souki today declined to comment on the complaint.
Baker today said she did not ask for leniency for Murakami in her letter to the judge.
She said the Republican complaint probably is politically motivated.
Murakami, 46, former Maui director of the Hawaii Government Employees Association, is serving a year in prison after pleading no contest to two counts of third-degree sexual assault for touching a girl's vagina in 1992 and her breasts in 1994. The girl was under 14 years of age in both instances.
In a letter to the judge before Murakami's Aug. 25 sentencing, Souki said Murakami has been involved in community activities on behalf of the union and has been an individual volunteer.
"It is my hope that these brief comments will be viewed favorably during Mr. John Murakami's sentencing," the letter said.
Daniel Mollway, the Ethics Commission's executive director, declined to comment on the GOP letters because state law prohibits the commission from discussing complaints sent to it.
Mollway said in the past the commission has issued opinions finding a legislator misused his stationery for a private business. His office has generally approved of letters of recommendation and reference for someone who worked at the state Legislature.
Mollway said the commission hasn't had cases raising questions about the use of stationery for personal family friends.
"It's pretty much an open question," Mollway said.
Souki has said in Maui newspaper advertisements that his letter did not advocate a lighter sentence. But Mondello has charged the advertisements are "a deception of what was said and what his record shows."
Other state legislators also wrote letters of support for Murakami, including state Sens. Joseph Tanaka, Robert Nakasone and Avery Chumbley. They did not use legislative stationery.
In the Nov. 5 general election, Souki faces Republican Danilo "Danny" Agsalog in the state House 8th District that includes Waihee, Maalaea, Kahakuloa, Waiehu, and parts of Waikapu, Wailuku and west Maui.