The Tourism and Gaming Working Group was established with the adoption of SCR 121, SD1, HD1, by the 2025 Legislature.
As stated in SCR 121, SD1, HD1, the Working Group was tasked to:
- Research gaming experiences and programs of legalized gambling in other states, including but not limited to revenues generated, costs of administration, preventive education, gambling counseling and treatment, regulation, and enforcement;
- Review gaming legislation that has been considered by the Legislature and other states to determine if any proposal has the potential to be implemented in the State;
- Examine the potential for gaming activities at the New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District and onboard vessels operated within the exclusive economic zone;
- Develop a comprehensive tourism gaming policy framework that addresses economic growth, job creation, capital investment, tax revenues, and costs associated with administration, regulation, enforcement, and social programs to educate, counsel, and treat problem gambling; and
- Examine how gaming activities may support the work conducted by the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Hawaii Tourism Authority.
The Working Group is composed of various state officials and experts in fields such as gaming, tourism, economics, social services, and regulation. It is co-chaired by legislative committee chairs.
The Working Group must report its findings to the 2027 Legislature. Administrative support is provided by the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.