Operator News

US – Hawaii to consider launching an Integrated Resort casino in Kapolei

By Phil - 17 December 2020

Hawaii, one of the last few remaining US states not to allow any form of commercial gambling, could begin the process to launch its first casino project as early as next week, following a meeting, by the Hawaiian Homes Commission who will vote on plans to build a casino on Department of Hawaiian Homes trust land in Kapolei, Oahu.

If voted in, the Hawaiian Home Lands will invest $5m to finance the Hawaii gaming commission who would select a licensee to develop, construct and operate ‘an integrated resort on the site selected by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands.’

The casino’s developed would have to reimburse the trust fund for the gaming commission ‘no later than the first day on which the casino opens for operation.’
The DHHL’s Deputy Chairperson said: “Given the impact of COVID-19 on our state’s economy, the department is proposing a bold measure that has proven successful for indigenous groups in generating critically needed revenue to improve the lives of their people.”

The vote won’t be plain sailing though. Senator Maile Shimabukuro said: “Most people think its just going to bring more problems than good, and that gambling should stay in Vegas and not be brought to Hawaii. I know in my community I’ve gotten a lot of complaints about game rooms and drugs associated with it, and I have a feeling when that meeting happens, a majority of people will be against it.”

Tyler Gomes, Deputy to Chairman William J. Aila Jr., said: “We are at a pivotal moment in the history of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and resources to develop infrastructure and acquire lands will be needed to fulfil the vision of Prince Kuhio.”

However this will only be the first hurdle of many. If the commission green lights the casino, Governor David Ige would then need to agree to the prosopal, whihc would then be passed over to the legislature where it would need to be signed in.