A backlog on a program designed to place Hawaiians with native blood on their native lands has led state authorities to consider legalized gambling as a way to gain much-needed funding.
House Bill 359 has been introduced for a debate on whether to allow the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) to operate a single casino west of Ko Olina. The Star Advertiser reported the resort/casino would be open 24/7 with gambling, liquor, a golf course, aquariums, theme park and sports. Gambling enthusiasts would be able to take part in cards, dice, tiles, dominoes and electric games. The purpose would be to generate millions in revenue to help place Hawaiians off of a wait list.
The DHHL have a wait list of more than 28,000 and needs approximately $6 billion for infrastructure costs. It is projected to take 100 years to fulfill its mandate under its funding levels as it stands. The addition of gaming would also offset economic shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tourism industry has taken a hit as the coronavirus has made people wary of traveling.
Hawaii is one of only two states that do not allow for any form of gambling. The issue remains divisive as the DHHL approved the concept on a 5-4 vote. Opposition to gambling also comes from a number of state leaders such as Gov. David Ige, Senate President Ron Kouchi and House Speaker Scott Saiki, who introduced the house bill. A similar bill was introduced by State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, the Senate majority floor leader and vice chairman of the Senate Hawaiian Affairs Committee, on behalf of the DHHL.
Keohokalole believes the proposition is deserving of debate in the legislature.
“We should have a discussion whether the casino plan is good, viable policy for the state to consider,” 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.”