Every year, the Hawaii State Legislature seems to have a bill to introduce some sort of gambling in order to gain revenue. This year has House Representative John Mizuno introducing HB 1820.

RELATING TO CASINO GAMING.
Report Title:	Casino Gaming; Waikiki; Legalization
Description:	Grants a 10-year license for 1 stand-alone, members-only casino in Waikiki, not in a hotel. Allows guests 21 years of age or older who register to stay 1 day and night at a hotel on Oahu for each day of admission at $20-per-day pass. Establishes the Hawaii gaming control commission. Imposes wagering tax on gross receipts. Creates the state gaming fund and compulsive gambler program.
Companion:
Package:	None
Current Referral:	ECD, CPC/JHA, FIN
Introducer(s):	MIZUNO

Interestingly, Representative Mizuno is hopeful that the revenues from a casino will help increase tax revenues. Also supporting a measure that permits gaming on Hawaiian Homelands is Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) Chairman William Aila.

Both of these men have been around for decades and are aware of the issues, including the social ills and the poverty around the people they supposedly serve and represent.

Bill 1820 cites “successes” of such operations, including those in Singapore. Yes, Singapore has two casinos. Singapore is also known for its consistent and strict enforcement. Drug dealers and the like can expect harsh punishments, including the death penalty. This is a huge deterrent to crime, corruption and graft.

Residents opposing the idea of gambling are questioning how the State of Hawaii can “regulate and enforce” safeguards for a casino with its ongoing dismal record on many issues, including fireworks, vacation rentals, and so on. Note SB 1820 mercifully proposes a “compulsive gambler program”.

Senator Jarrett Keohokalole‘s SB 2608 and Representative Daniel Holt‘s HB 1962 proposals would provide DHHL $500,000 to conduct the study for the 2023 legislative session.

It’s food for thought that the two States – conservative Blue State Utah and Liberal Red State Hawaii – are the only two States that do not legalize gambling.