HI SCR121

Request the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish a Tourism and Gaming Working Group to research and analyze legalized gambling in Hawaii.

Working group tasked with researching gaming experiences in other states, reviewing gaming legislation, examining gaming potential at the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District and onboard vessels, and developing a comprehensive tourism gaming policy framework addressing economic growth, job creation, tax revenues, and social program costs.

Working group membership includes chairs of Senate and House economic development committees (as co-chairpersons), legislative leaders, state department directors (Business, Attorney General, Law Enforcement, Taxation, Health, Human Services), University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization director, and representatives from labor, Native Hawaiian culture, social services, tourism academia, gaming corporations, and Aloha Hālawa District Partners LLC.

Working group required to submit findings, recommendations, and any proposed legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 Regular Session.

Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to provide administrative support and dissolve the working group on June 30, 2028.