SB893 - Legalization of Gambling in Hawaii
As of February 14, 2025, Hawaii Senate Bill 893 (SB893) has been deferred EDT (Economic Development and Technology Committee) & CPN (Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee). The bill proposes granting twenty-year licenses for casinos in the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District and the Hawaii Convention Center. It also aims to establish the Hawaii Gaming Control Commission, impose a fifteen percent wagering tax on gross receipts, and create the State Gaming Fund and a Compulsive Gambler Program.
Recent Actions:
January 17, 2025: SB893 was introduced in the Senate.
January 21, 2025: The bill passed its First Reading.
January 23, 2025: Referred to the Economic Development and Technology (EDT) Committee.
February 6, 2025: The EDT Committee recommended that the measure be passed with amendments and be recommitted. The vote was 3 Ayes (Senators DeCoite, Wakai, Fukunaga) and 2 Noes (Senators Kim, Awa).
February 7, 2025: The bill was reported from the EDT Committee with amendments (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 116) as SB893 SD1 and recommitted to the EDT Committee.
February 10, 2025: A public hearing was scheduled by the EDT and Commerce and Consumer Protection (CPN) Committees for February 13, 2025, at 1:03 PM in Conference Room 229 and via videoconference.
February 12, 2025: The bill was re-referred to the joint committees of EDT/CPN and Judiciary (JDC)/Ways and Means (WAM).
February 13, 2025: The committee on EDT (Economic Development and Technology Committee) & CPN (Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee) has deferred the measure.
A recent report indicates that the legislation has emerged from committee and is progressing through the legislative process.
Take Action:
If you oppose SB893 and wish to take action, consider the following steps:
Educate Yourself on SB893: Familiarize yourself with the bill's text, its implications, and the arguments both for and against it. This knowledge will strengthen your position when communicating with legislators and the public.
Submit Testimony: Participate in the legislative process by submitting written or oral testimony expressing your opposition.
Written Testimony:
Visit the Hawaii State Legislature's website.
Log in or create an account. If you don’t have an account, click here to register
Navigate to the "Submit Testimony" section.
Enter the bill number (SB893) and follow the prompts to submit your testimony.
Oral Testimony:
Start + End with Aloha. Thank the committee for being there & considering your testimony.
Indicate your desire to provide oral testimony when submitting your written testimony.
You can testify in person at the scheduled hearing or via videoconference.
Ensure you adhere to the guidelines for oral testimony, such as time limits.
Contact Legislators Directly: Reach out to members of the Senate Economic Development and Technology Committee and the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee to express your concerns.
Identify Key Legislators: Determine which legislators are involved in the decision-making process for SB893.
Craft Your Message:
Clearly state your opposition to SB893.
Provide concise reasons for your stance, supported by facts or personal experiences.
Be respectful and professional in your communication.
Methods of Communication:
Email: Use official email addresses found on the Hawaii State Legislature's website.
Phone Calls: Call their offices to voice your concerns or request meetings.
Letters: Send formal letters to their office addresses.