Connect with us

Hawaii

Hawaii Senate Advances Digital Sports Betting Bill

Published

9 months ago

on

Hawaii Senate Advances Digital Sports Betting Bill


Key Points

  • House Bill 1308 seeks to legalize digital sports betting in Hawaii
  • Opponents cited risks of increased social problems and economic disruption
  • Those promoting the bill argue that it’ll help generate substantial tax revenue

On March 13, 2025, a key Senate committee in Hawaii pushed forward a proposal to legalize digital sports betting in the state. This proposal, House Bill 1308, has been welcomed by Hawaii sports betting fans with enthusiasm, as expected.

With this proposal, four digital sports betting platforms would be allowed to operate in Hawaii without having any retail locations.

What would change

House Bill 1308 would legalize online sports betting in the state of Hawaii. However, many of the details of this legalization are not covered by the bill. Issues like tax rates and licensing fees were not included in the bill, and these have been keeping discussions active during debates about the bill. Also set to be legalized in the bill is daily fantasy sports, serving further to expand Hawaii’s online gaming options.

If the bill is approved in its current form, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) will lose its oversight on the subject to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), in what was another critical amendment in the bill.

Advertisement

While there are concerns over legalizing sports betting in Hawaii, Senate members who were part of the House Bill 1308 review committee argue that digital sports betting is already happening in Hawaii but through unregulated, offshore platforms.

Concerns and opposition

For Deputy Attorney General David Williams, a known critic and opponent of this bill, legal sports betting would bring several negative consequences to the state. He argued that credit card debts, bankruptcies, and domestic abuse would rise with more access to online sports betting.

Similarly, Brandon Maka’awa’awa, vice president of the Independent & Sovereign Nation State of Hawaii, criticized the lawmaker’s failure to get an economic impact study before moving the bill forward. Then there’s DCCA Director Nadine Ando, who warned that building a regulated sports betting market afresh would be costly and difficult to achieve.

She further stated that most states with legal sports betting manage their regulatory challenges via dedicated gaming commissions—a resource that may be lacking in Hawaii. Testimony from Boyd Gaming also highlighted that similarly sized states have sometimes seen lower-than-expected revenues from sports betting, potentially undermining funding for regulatory enforcement and responsible gambling programs.

Support for modernization

Many senators feel that it is finally time for Hawaii to embrace digital gaming, despite the wave of opposition. Sen. Donna Mercado Kim has stated that sports betting is already an everyday activity in the state. She even suggested that some of the law enforcement people currently with her have placed bets at
online betting sites
just before pushing out some of the amendments’ provisions.

Advertisement

In her words, proceeds from betting activities can be channeled back into education and for public benefit. Here’s submission aligns with most of what has been the prevailing argument for the benefit of the proposal. The main point is that the revenue that has previously been lost to offshore operators would be captured with the legalization of digital sports betting and then put to good use.

This revenue would help strengthen the state’s finances and modernize its gambling industry. The hope is that it would create an environment that is both competitive and consumer-friendly.

Local economic implications

For traditional Hawaii casino operators and Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) operators, the stakes are particularly high. They are wary of the fact that most of the revenue they make would be cannibalized with the introduction of digital sports betting. Add this to the fact that Hawaii’s tourism and local economies are loosely tied to its existing gaming sector, and you’ll understand why they’re seriously opposing the proposal.

The larger fear is that many of these operators will lose their profits with a swift shift to online betting, ultimately leading to job losses and diminished support for public services.

The road ahead

Now that it has passed a Senate committee review, the next stop for House Bill 1308 is the Senate Ways and Means Committee. This is the last step before the bill is put to a full Senate vote. During this process, further amendments can still be added to the bill.

Advertisement

The challenge before the lawmakers is the task of carving out substantial new revenue streams without causing financial harm to the traditional gaming sector or social harm to the Hawaiian people.

A few issues like tax rates, licensing fees, and regulatory guidelines remain unsettled, and it’s one to keep an eye on.



Source link

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Hawaii

Flood advisory in effect for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

8 hours ago

on

January 4, 2026

By

Flood advisory in effect for Oahu, Maui and Hawaii island | Honolulu Star-Advertiser


UPDATE: 11:13 a.m.

A flood advisory is in effect for Oahu until 2:15 p.m. today due to flooding caused by excessive rainfall.

At 11:09 a.m., the radar showed heavy rain developing and traveling slowly eastward over Oahu.

“The heaviest rain is currently over the western half of the island, but is expected to fill in and move over the remainder of the island over the next few hours. Rain was falling at a rate of 0.5 to 2 inches per hour,” forecasters said.

Advertisement

Some locations that will experience flooding include Honolulu, Waipio, Mililani, Pearl City, Waikele, Wahiawa, Wheeler Field, Waipahu, Aiea, Kunia, Halawa, Waiahole, Waikane, Schofield Barracks, Salt Lake, Kahaluu, Moanalua, Ahuimanu, Iroquois Point and Ewa Beach.

Meanwhile, the flood advisories have been extended for Hawaii County and 1:45 p.m. and Maui County until 2:30 p.m.

Advertisement

At 10:30 a.m., the radar showed heavy rain moving over portions of the Puna and Kau coasts. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, with the heaviest rates of up to 3 inches per hour between Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and Pahoa, including portions of Pahoa Kalapana Road and Highway 11.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Glenwood,

Mountain View, Wood Valley, Hawaiian Acres, Pahala, Orchidlands Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Papaikou, Naalehu, and Fern Forest.

At 11:04 a.m., the radar showed heavy rain over portions of eastern Maui. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour with the highest rainfall rates in the upslope areas between Kaupo and Nahiku.

“While no significant impacts have been noted as of yet, additional rainfall over that area today is expected to produce more flooding concerns,” forecasters said.

Advertisement

The flood watch remains for all Hawaiian Islands.

EARLIER COVERAGE

A flood watch is in effect for all Hawaiian Islands today through Monday afternoon due to the possibility of flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall, according to the National Weather Service.

A deepening Kona low north of Kauai is expected to move southwest today and Monday before turning west. Thunderstorms and heavy showers will affect the region over the next couple days leading to the flash flood threat. Winds may strengthen to wind advisory levels Monday for lower elevations and high wind warnings on Hawaii island summits. Lingering moisture may keep rain over the state through the week.

>> Prepare for rainy weather as Kona low hits Hawaii

Advertisement

“Flood prone roads and other low lying areas may be closed due to elevated runoff and overflowing streams,” according to the forecast. “Urban areas may receive more significant flooding and property damage due to rapid runoff. Significant flooding may occur due to the overflow of streams and drainages. Landslides may also occur in areas with steep terrain.”

The greatest flood risk is along the southeastern mountain slopes of Maui and Hawaii counties as deep moisture spreads up the slopes.

The flood watch may be extended into Tuesday if weather conditions persist.

Flood advisories are also in effect for Hawaii County until 10:45 a.m. today, while Maui County will remain in effect until 11:30 a.m. today.

At 7:45 a.m. today, the Hawaii island radar indicated heavy rain traveling over portions of Puna and Kau coasts. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour, with isolated heavier rainfall rates of 3 inches per hour between Pahala and Pahoa including areas of Pahoa Kalapana Road and Highway 11.

Advertisement

Some locations that will experience flooding include Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Volcano, Glenwood, Mountain View, Wood Valley, Hawaiian Acres, Pahala, Orchidlands Estates, Keaau, Pahoa, Punaluu Beach, Kawa Flats, Papaikou, Naalehu, and Fern Forest.

At 8:19 a.m. today, the Maui County radar showed heavy rain continuing to develop and move over the eastern portions of the island. Rain was falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour with the highest rates and totals found in the upslope areas between Kaupo and Nahiku.

Some locations that will experience flooding include Kipahulu, Kaupo, Hana, Haleakala National Park and Hamoa.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Hawaii

Volcanic Ash: Tom Coffman a must read for understanding Hawaii | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

20 hours ago

on

January 4, 2026

By

Volcanic Ash: Tom Coffman a must read for understanding Hawaii | Honolulu Star-Advertiser




Source link

Continue Reading

Hawaii

Hawaii delegation raises legal concerns over Venezuela

Published

1 day ago

on

January 3, 2026

By

Hawaii delegation raises legal concerns over Venezuela


HONOLULU (KHON2) — Three of Hawaii’s Congressional Delegation released statements on Saturday, Jan.3, in response to President Trump’s overnight operation in Venezuela.

“At a time when Americans can’t afford rent, healthcare, or groceries, the Trump administration found time and money for regime change in Venezuela, risking a war that Americans don’t want. Before we spend another dollar on this reckless conflict, the American people deserve answers, including what this administration’s exit strategy is. Americans wanted help and hope in 2026, not another war,” said Tokuda.

U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02)

Others echoed concerns about the legality of the operation, pointing to both international law and the U.S. Constitution. While acknowledging Venezuela’s political situation, some members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation said military action raises serious questions that extend beyond the actions of any one leader.

“Nicholas Maduro is an illegitimate and oppressive dictator and the people of Venezuela deserve better. But that alone doesn’t justify an armed attack on a sovereign country and forced regime change in violation of international law,” said Case. “And unless there was an imminent threat to our country, it doesn’t justify violating our Constitution and war powers law, which wisely reserves to Congress the grave decision to go to war.”

U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01)

Advertisement

Case also emphasized that Congress plays a critical role in decisions involving war and military force.

“I don’t yet know the full facts or the President’s justification to attack Venezuela, place our troops in harm’s way, capture Maduro and administer the country,” said Case. “But the precedent of any President taking our country to war arbitrarily, single-handedly and without the approval of Congress has cascading effects that are far more dangerous.”

U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01)

Senator Brian Schatz also weighed in, saying the operation could put American lives and interests at risk.

“President Trump is jeopardizing American lives and interests — and stating plainly that the purpose is for U.S. oil companies to make money in Venezuela. Either these companies knew about these plans in advance, or he’s ordering corporations to be a part of his effort to overthrow another government,” said Schatz. “This operation is illegal under international law and unconstitutional without prior congressional approval. The United States should not be running other countries for any reason. We should have learned by now not to get involved in endless wars and regime change missions that carry catastrophic consequences for Americans.”

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i)

Hawaii’s congressional lawmakers stressed that, while the situation in Venezuela is complex, military action should not be taken lightly.

Advertisement

“Nicolas Maduro should be held accountable for his actions, but Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to overthrow his regime does nothing to make our country safer. Instead, without any authorization from Congress or any clear plan for what comes next, Trump is plunging our nation into a conflict that could put American lives at risk while destabilizing the region and our relationships with our allies,” said Hirono. “Trump’s characteristically chaotic suggestion that the U.S is “going to run” Venezuela indefinitely, without any details, shows his disregard for the consequences of decades of misguided American intervention around the world. Trump promised to “end forever wars” and not engage in regime change. As usual, he says one thing and does another.”

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)

With questions still surrounding the operation, Hawaii’s congressional leaders say transparency and oversight are critical moving forward. They stated that decisions of this extent should not be made without the involvement of Congress or the public.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending