A number of gambling-related bills have been introduced into the state legislature and passed first floor readings in their respective chambers.
All of the bills were referred from committees, although no hearings were scheduled or written testimonies received as of Monday.
Hawaii is one of only two states that has not legalized any form of commercial gambling. Utah is the other.
House Bill 918 seeks to authorize a 10-year license for a single “poker and sportsbook gambling establishment” allowing entry “to persons 21 years and older who register to stay at an Oahu hotel and pay an annual fee.” to count”.
The description of where the casino would be located doesn’t mention Waikiki, but is worded to only fit that area of Honolulu.
The 98-page measure, introduced by Rep. John Mizuno and Daniel Holt, both Oahu Democrats, would also establish a Hawaii Gambling Control Commission, levy a wagering tax on gross receipts, create a state gambling fund and a compulsive treatment program create players .
In past meetings, Mizuno introduced bills that, if passed, would have authorized the construction of a Waikiki casino.
Four bills – two related to sports betting and another pair related to online fantasy sports – are also under investigation.
Senate Bill 1109 and HB 344 would allow regulation of sports betting by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. The measures would set out licensing requirements for sports betting providers and operators and stipulate that sports betting is not considered gambling or gambling.
Although the calculations are similar, they are not accompanying measures.
Mizuno introduced the House bill “at the request of another party,” while the Senate legislation was introduced by Maui Sens. Gilbert Keith-Agaran and Angus McKelvey, both Democrats, with Puna Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, a Democrat, signing for MPs became a fan.
Another pair of Senate bills, SB 1108 and SB 1146, relate to online fantasy sports competitions. Both would establish an online fantasy sports competition registration program to be administered by the Attorney General and would exempt registered online fantasy sports betting competitions from state gambling laws. The latter bill would also introduce a tax for online fantasy sports competitions on the gross receipts of registrants and create a special fund that would benefit public schools and county road construction and maintenance.
Keith-Agaran and McKelvey were co-initiators of both measures, as were Oahu Democrat Sens. Jarrett Keohokalole for SB 1106 and Stanley Chang for SB 1146. San Buenaventura and Oahu Sen. Maile Shimabukuro signed as supporters of the latter initiative.
Senate Bill 1107, also jointly introduced by Keith-Agaran and McKelvey, would establish the Hawaii Lottery and Gaming Corporation for the purpose of operating and regulating wagering and gaming in Hawaii. It would also establish a lottery and gambling special fund and allocate certain percentages from the fund to various community betterment purposes.
Several anti-gambling measures were also introduced at this session.
A pair of escorts, HB 375 and SB 591, would make operating an illegal gambling business in the state a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
It is estimated that there are up to 7,000 illegal gambling halls on Oahu alone.
The House bill, introduced by Speaker Scott Saiki, has been referred to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee. The Senate version, presented by Oahu Democratic Sens. Sharon Moriwaki, Henry Aquino and Chang, with Oahu’s Donovan Dela Cruz, Les Ihara and Michelle Kidani signing as supporters, was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
HB 459, introduced by Republican Representatives from Oahu Gene Ward and Diamond Garcia, would make possession of a gaming device larger than one cubic foot a misdemeanor.
SB 258, introduced by Oahu Sen. Kurt Fevella, the chamber’s only GOP member, and Aquino, would create an interstate task force to root out illegal gambling and drug activities and establish community safe zones across the state.
Perhaps the most unusual move is targeting Hawaiian gambling dollars issued in Nevada.
SB 935, introduced by Chang, would prohibit advertisements by hotels, resorts or other recreational services in Nevada that promote casinos or other gambling in print, online or through broadcast media in Hawaii. It would also impose a tax of 30% on the gross income earned by anyone in Hawaii who organizes, promotes or sells vacation packages or recreational services that offer such gambling.
According to the measure, Nevada-based Boyd Gaming made $600 million from Hawaii residents in 2011, and its 2021 annual report said Hawaii residents “make up more than half of those at The California, Fremont, and Main Street Stations.” nights sold” in Las Vegas.
The measure also quoted an unnamed gambling interest lobbyist who reportedly told the House Committee on Tourism in 2012 that banning gambling “costs Hawaii $1 billion in outgoing dollars each year and gives none back.”
Email John Burnett at [email protected]