HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

927

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO GAMING.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     Section 1.  The purpose of this Act is to establish a commission on gaming to determine if gaming would be feasible in Hawaii and, if so, what form of gaming would be most appropriate for Hawaii.

     SECTION 2.  (a)  There is established a commission on gaming, which shall undertake an independent analysis of the economic and social costs and benefits of gaming in Hawaii, determine if gaming would be feasible in Hawaii, and if so, determine what form of gaming would be most appropriate for Hawaii.  The analysis shall include:

     (1)  An assessment of the economic costs and benefits for every form of gaming to the State, including but not limited to the lottery, casino, slots, table games, horse and dog racing, sports betting, bingo, and internet gaming;

     (2)  For each form of gaming assessed pursuant to paragraph (1), a determination of the average revenue disbursement for administrative costs, for prizes and payouts to participants, to retailers and other businesses, and to the State through taxes, fees, and other requirements;

     (3)  The social impacts of gaming, including but not limited to problem gaming, alcohol-related traffic incidents, and other impacts on individuals, families, and communities;

     (4)  Infrastructure impacts, including increased traffic and possible disruption of neighborhoods where casinos might be located;

     (5)  The availability of an adequate labor force, and educational and training opportunities;

     (6)  How gaming might complement or detract from existing businesses, tourism activities, attractions, and Hawaii's unique culture;

     (7)  The role of the public sector, including state and county executive and legislative branches, regarding any legalization of gaming, the related establishment of a regulatory body or bodies, and any additional public policy requirements;

     (8)  The role of the private sector, including but not limited to the casino industry and other affiliated business interests; and

     (9)  Other information that may be deemed appropriate.

     (b)  Section 26-34, Hawaii Revised Statutes, shall not apply to the selection and terms of commission on gaming members.

     (c)  The members of the commission on gaming shall consist of the following:

     (1)  The director of business, economic development, and tourism, or the director's designee;

     (2)  One senator designated by the president of the senate;

     (3)  One representative designated by the speaker of the house of representatives;

     (4)  One expert on gaming designated by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives;

     (5)  One member of a community-based or faith-based organization designated by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives; and

     (6)  At least two other members designated by the president of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives, with preference granted to:

         (A)  The president of the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, or the president's designee; and

         (B)  Any individual with experience regarding the impact of gaming on government and the economy.

     (d)  The commission on gaming shall be administratively attached to the office of the auditor.

     SECTION 3.  Members of the commission on gaming shall not receive compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the performance of their duties under this Act.

     SECTION 4.  (a)  The commission on gaming shall ensure adequate opportunities for public comment on the results of the analysis, and shall submit the following reports to the governor and the legislature:

     (1)  A preliminary report on the status of the analysis no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2018; and

     (2)  A final report on the commission's analysis, findings, and recommendations no later than twenty days before the convening of the regular session of 2019.

     (b)  The commission on gaming shall be dissolved on December 31, 2018.

     SECTION 5.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2017-2018 for the commission on gaming to undertake the analysis described in this Act, including any contracts for services that may be necessary for the analysis.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of the auditor for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2017.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________

 

 

 

 

Report Title:

Gaming; Commission; Study; Appropriation

 

Description:

Establishes a commission to analyze the possibility of gaming in Hawaii.  Requires a preliminary and a final report to the Governor and Legislature.  Dissolves the commission on 12/31/2018.  Appropriates funds to undertake the analysis, including contracts for services.

 

 

 

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