H.B. 918 Summary

• Authorizes one gaming facility in a designated tourism district in Honolulu to operate poker rooms and sportsbook betting, with a 10-year renewable license.

• Restricts facility access to individuals 21+ who provide proof of hotel lodging on Oahu within 24 hours and pay an annual admission fee; facility must be a standalone building (not within a hotel) and operate between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.

• Establishes the Hawaii Gaming Control Commission with seven members to regulate gaming operations, with powers to issue licenses, conduct investigations, and impose fines up to $10,000 per violation.

• Imposes a general excise tax on gaming gross income and deposits 2% of collected revenues into the state gaming fund for compulsive gambler programs, public security, Hawaiian home lands development, homeless assistance, and law enforcement.

• Requires occupational licenses for all facility employees and supplier licenses for vendors furnishing over $500,000 in gaming equipment; implements background checks and suitability standards for all licensees.