HI HB927

Establishes a commission on gaming to conduct an independent analysis of the economic and social costs and benefits of gaming in Hawaii and determine if gaming should be legalized and what form would be most appropriate.

Commission analysis shall assess all forms of gaming including lottery, casinos, slots, table games, horse and dog racing, sports betting, bingo, and internet gaming, including revenue disbursement, social impacts, infrastructure effects, and labor availability.

Commission membership consists of the director of business, economic development, and tourism; one senator and one representative; one gaming expert; one community or faith-based organization member; and at least two additional members, preferably including a police union representative and someone with gaming impact experience.

Commission shall submit a preliminary report no later than twenty days before the 2018 legislative session and a final report with recommendations no later than twenty days before the 2019 legislative session, then dissolve on December 31, 2018.

Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2017-2018 to the office of the auditor to support the commission's analysis and any necessary service contracts; effective July 1, 2017.