Hawaii House Bill HR94

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Report Pass: 3/28/24
• Refer: 3/28/24

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Convene A Working Group To Examine The Feasibility Of A State Lottery.

Impact

If realized, the introduction of a state lottery in Hawaii could lead to new channels of state revenue, aligning with trends observed in other jurisdictions where lotteries yield substantial fiscal benefits. The resolution points out that while Hawaii remains one of the few states without a lottery, the broader economic implications could be profound, potentially providing funding for various public sectors, including education and infrastructure. The working group is tasked with examining how this could be implemented efficiently and responsibly.

Summary

House Resolution 94 requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to convene a working group to examine the feasibility of establishing a state lottery in Hawaii. This initiative appears particularly timely, given that many states across the U.S. have leveraged lottery systems for significant revenue generation. The proposal references the popularity of state lotteries, noting that about half of respondents in Gallup polls reported purchasing a lottery ticket in the past year, and highlights the substantial income states earn from lottery-related taxes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR94 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with proponents likely viewing the lottery as a viable solution to boost state revenues. However, the proposal may face scrutiny from various stakeholders concerned about the social implications of expanding gambling options within the state. Discussions around this bill may reveal both support for economic growth and concerns regarding gambling addiction and its societal effects.

Contention

Notably, the resolution does not delve into potential challenges or opposition to the lottery establishment, which might include ethical debates about gambling, allocation of revenues, and the impact on the local population. Those opposed may argue that introducing a lottery could lead to increased gambling issues in the community and question whether the anticipated benefits truly outweigh these concerns. As the working group moves forward, these discussions will be pivotal in shaping the proposal.