Hawaii Senate Bill SCR230

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Urging The Governor To Request The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism And Department Of Health To Establish A Gambling Task Force To Develop An Evidence-based Framework With An Appraisal Of The Resources Necessary To Ensure The Public's Health And Safety And Mitigate Gambling-related Harm In Order To Guide Future Gambling Legislation In The State Of Hawaii.

Impact

The task force's main objective is to conduct comprehensive assessments related to gambling's negative effects before any legislation is introduced. This includes establishing baseline studies examining the prevalence of gambling and its potential to affect vulnerable populations, such as lower-income individuals. The resolution aims to facilitate informed discussions about gambling in Hawaii, emphasizing the need for data-driven policies that ensure community well-being, balancing economic opportunities with health risks.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution 230 (SCR230) urges the Governor of Hawaii to establish a task force comprising members from various state departments, including Health and Business, Economic Development, and Tourism. The purpose of this task force is to develop an evidence-based framework to assess the potential impacts of legalized gambling in the state. Given Hawaii's status as one of only two states without any form of legal gambling, the resolution seeks to create a structured approach to evaluate how gambling could contribute to revenue generation while addressing public safety and health concerns associated with gambling addiction and its societal impacts.

Contention

Legalized gambling in Hawaii faces significant opposition due to concerns about the risks associated with gambling activities, such as addiction, sex trafficking, domestic violence, and increased criminal behavior. Moreover, the existing ban on gambling has been swiftly maintained despite ongoing debates regarding its potential benefits in generating revenue. This tension highlights the need for the task force to adequately address these contentious issues through rigorous research and public consultation, ensuring that future policies reflect both the potential economic benefits and necessary safeguards to protect the community.