|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1527 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to gambling.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the stadium development district established for aloha stadium is intended to support public benefit uses, including athletics and community events, and that gambling is inconsistent with the State's long-standing public policy against casino gambling.
The legislature further finds that private developers may speculate on the future legalization of gambling in Hawaii, potentially affecting financing assumptions and community expectations for state projects. The legislature affirms that gambling shall be prohibited on any part of the new aloha stadium development district.
The legislature additionally finds that gambling enterprises can threaten the integrity of amateur athletics through match-fixing, undue financial influence, and compromised competitive environments. As the home of a Division I athletic program, the State has a responsibility to ensure that university of Hawaii student-athletes are not placed in casino-affiliated environments.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Prohibit any casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility from being located on state lands within or adjacent to the aloha stadium development district or on any lands under the jurisdiction of the stadium authority; and
(2) Ensure that athletic programs of the university of Hawaii do not compete in venues that are operated by or physically integrated with a gambling enterprise while clarifying that standard naming-rights or advertising agreements do not constitute prohibited sponsorships.
Furthermore, the legislature intends that this
Act shall not be construed as authorizing any form of legalized gambling in the
State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 109, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§109- Prohibition
against gambling. (a)
As used in this section:
"Casino" means any facility in
which gambling occurs.
"Gambling" has the same meaning as
in section 712-1220.
"Gambling enterprise" means any
entity whose primary business involves gambling or wagering activities.
"Gambling facility" means any
structure used primarily for gambling purposes.
(b) The stadium authority shall not authorize,
permit, or enter into any agreement allowing the development, construction,
operation, or management of any casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility
on any lands under its jurisdiction.
(c) The stadium authority shall not approve any master development agreement, lease, or sublease that includes gambling activities or contemplates the future establishment of such activities."
SECTION 3. Chapter 206E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IX to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§206E- Casino;
gambling; prohibition. (a)
As used in this section:
"Casino" means any facility in
which gambling occurs.
"Gambling" has the same meaning as
in section 712-1220.
"Gambling enterprise" means any
entity whose primary business involves gambling or wagering activities.
"Gambling facility" means any
structure used primarily for gambling purposes.
(b) No casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility
shall be developed, constructed, operated, or permitted on any state-owned
lands located in the district, including any parcels adjacent to, contiguous
with, or functionally integrated into the project area.
(c) No state agency shall enter into, extend, or amend any lease, development agreement, license, or memorandum of understanding that authorizes or contemplates the future establishment of a casino, gambling facility, or gambling enterprise on lands identified in subsection (b)."
SECTION 4. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§304A- Competition
in gambling-affiliated venues; prohibition. (a) As used in this section:
"Casino" means any facility in
which gambling occurs.
"Gambling" has the same meaning as
in section 712-1220.
"Gambling enterprise" means any
entity whose primary business involves gambling or wagering activities.
"Gambling facility" means any
structure used primarily for gambling purposes.
(b)
University of Hawaii athletic programs shall not schedule, participate
in, or compete in any athletic contest held in the state that is:
(1) A venue that is
located within or physically attached to a casino or gambling facility;
(2) A venue that is
operated or managed by a gambling enterprise; or
(3) A venue in
which gambling activities are conducted.
(c) For
the purposes of this section, a standard naming-rights or advertising agreement
that is sponsored by a gambling enterprise shall be permitted; provided that
the gambling enterprise does not operate or conduct activities at the venue and
the venue is not physically integrated with a gambling facility.
(d) The
university of Hawaii shall adopt policies and procedures to implement this
section."
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
|
INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
|
|
|
Report Title:
New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District; University of Hawaii Athletic Programs; Gambling; Prohibition
Description:
Prohibits any casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility from being located on state lands within or adjacent to the Aloha Stadium Development District project area or on any lands under the jurisdiction of the Stadium Authority. Prohibits athletic programs of the University of Hawaii from competing in venues that are operated by or physically integrated with a gambling enterprise while clarifying that standard naming-rights or advertising agreements do not constitute prohibited sponsorships.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.