Hawaii Sports Betting Bill Advances with Unanimous Senate Committee Support
Sports betting regulation in Hawaii received another boost as a House-approved bill cleared its first Senate hurdle. The Hawaii Senate Joint Committee on Economic Development, Tourism, Commerce, and Consumer Protection unanimously approved HB 1308 with a 9-0 vote, though four members voted "with reservations."
The legislation proposes awarding at least four online sports betting licenses and initially designated the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) as the regulatory body.
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Key Developments:
- Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Director Nadine Ando expressed concerns about their ability to regulate sports betting effectively
- Committee amended the bill to transfer regulatory authority to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
- The bill now moves to the Senate Ways and Means Committee
Public Response:
The Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council strongly supported the bill, citing the need for new state revenue. Representative Cliff Laboy emphasized this would benefit their 35,000 construction workers who typically work only seven months per year.
Opposition:
The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General opposed the bill, citing:
- Limited regulatory framework
- Minimal punishment for unlicensed operators
- Potential increase in adverse societal impacts
- Higher crime rates
- Substantial costs to address social consequences
The bill continues its journey through the Senate, with its next stop at the Ways and Means Committee before potentially reaching the Senate floor for discussion.