State legislators on Monday deferred a bill that would make it legal for Hawai‘i to have a casino in Waikiki. The action taken by the House Tourism Committee might have killed the bill for this year’s session. If the bill
State legislators on Monday deferred a bill that would make it legal for Hawai‘i to have a casino in Waikiki.
The action taken by the House Tourism Committee might have killed the bill for this year’s session. If the bill were to be reconsidered, it would have to be heard again by Thursday.
Committee Vice Chair Jimmy Tokioka, D-15th District, said the bill was deferred during decision-making on Monday.
“HB 2788 is a two committee referral … which makes it subject to the first lateral bill deadline,” said Tokioka, explaining that all bills referred to more than one committee must be ready to move to their final committee in the originating chamber by Thursday.
“In order for this measure to be considered, it would need to be taken back up and voted on by the committee prior to this deadline date,” he said.
The bill was introduced Jan. 25 and eventually re-referred to the House Tourism and Finance committees.
With the tourism committee deferring HB 2788 on Monday, and the Finance Committee not having the bill on its agenda prior to Thursday, the bill will likely die or this year’ session.
HB 2788 proposes a 20-year license for a stand-alone casino in Waikiki, as long as it is not in a hotel. The bill also proposes the establishment of a Hawai‘i Gaming Control Commission, imposes 15 percent wagering tax on gross receipts, and creates a state Gaming Fund and Compulsive Gambler Program. If approved, it could go into effect as early as July 1.
A study conducted by a Michigan consulting firm estimates more than $522 million a year would be pumped into the state’s economy just from gaming revenues and on-site spending, and more than $311 million would be generated by off-site spending on goods and services.
The study also estimates more than 14,000 jobs would be created, directly and indirectly, generating more than $532 million in wages and benefits.
Public revenues would also increase in the form of gaming fees, income taxes and sales taxes, amounting to an extra $86 million to the state’s coffers.
Despite the economic benefits, only a handful of submitted testimony supported the bill. Testimony opposing the bill was submitted by Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle, the Honolulu Police Department, the University of Hawai‘i School of Medicine, community groups, concerned citizens and various religious organizations.
Visit www.capitol.hawaii.gov for more information.
• Léo Azambuja, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or lazambuja@ thegardenisland.com.
