Two states currently don’t allow any form of legalized gaming. If some Hawaii lawmakers have their way, someday there will be only one, Utah.
The Aloha State is having its most serious discussion of this issue in many years, sparked in part by a looming budget shortfall and dramatically decreased tourism, both directly attributable to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
The proposed casino would be on Hawaiian home lands that have been set aside for native Hawaiians. It has been proposed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) as a way to help fund the department.
One of its jobs is to move Native Hawaiians off a wait list—which currently has 28,000 on it— and into homes. Hawaii has no reservations, unlike states that have Indian tribes. The program was created a century ago, during the Harding administration, with the goal of returning Hawaiians with 50 percent native blood to their native lands.
Powerful politicians oppose the move, including Governor David Ige, Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Scott Saiki. It has been endorsed by the Hawaiian Home Lands Commission.
Despite his opposition, Rep. Saiki wants there to be a debate and introduced HB 359 to have that debate. Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, Senate majority floor leader, has introduced a similar bill in the Senate. He is also skeptical, but wants to have a discussion.
In a statement Keohokalole said, “We should talk about whether allowing the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to do it is the right way to address the wait list. We should talk about alternatives to address the wait list. Given this budget situation, it’s not likely that the department will be likely to expect funding to accomplish that. … My priority is on addressing the wait list.”
The DHHL proposes a destination resort casino with a golf course, theme parks, aquariums and sporting events, among others. A 45 percent wagering tax would be imposed on all gaming revenues, with the lion’s share going to the DHHL operating fund.
