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HB1527
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:
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SECTION 1.
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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.
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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.
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The legislature
affirms that gambling shall be prohibited on any part of the new aloha stadium development
district.
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The legislature additionally finds
that gambling enterprises can threaten the integrity of amateur athletics
through match-fixing, undue financial influence, and compromised competitive
environments.
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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.
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Therefore, the purpose of this Act
is to:
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(1)
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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
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(2)
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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.
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Furthermore, the legislature intends that this
Act shall not be construed as authorizing any form of legalized gambling in the
State.
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SECTION 2.
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Chapter 109, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as
follows:
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"
�109-
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Prohibition
against gambling.
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(a)
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As used in this section:
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"Casino" means any facility in
which gambling occurs.
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"Gambling" has the same meaning as
in section 712-1220.
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"Gambling enterprise" means any
entity whose primary business involves gambling or wagering activities.
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"Gambling facility" means any
structure used primarily for gambling purposes.
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(b)
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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.
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(c)
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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.
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SECTION 3.
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Chapter 206E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new section to part IX to be appropriately designated and
to read as follows:
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"
�206E-
�
Casino;
gambling; prohibition.
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(a)
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As used in this section:
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"Casino" means any facility in
which gambling occurs.
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"Gambling" has the same meaning as
in section 712-1220.
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"Gambling enterprise" means any
entity whose primary business involves gambling or wagering activities.
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"Gambling facility" means any
structure used primarily for gambling purposes.
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(b)
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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.
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(c)
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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).
"
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SECTION 4.
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Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is
amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as
follows:
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"
�304A-
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Competition
in gambling-affiliated venues; prohibition.
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(a)
�
As used in this section:
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"Casino" means any facility in
which gambling occurs.
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"Gambling" has the same meaning as
in section 712-1220.
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"Gambling enterprise" means any
entity whose primary business involves gambling or wagering activities.
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"Gambling facility" means any
structure used primarily for gambling purposes.
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(b)
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University of Hawaii athletic programs shall not schedule, participate
in, or compete in any athletic contest held in the state that is:
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(1)
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A venue that is
located within or physically attached to a casino or gambling facility;
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(2)
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A venue that is
operated or managed by a gambling enterprise; or
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(3)
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A venue in
which gambling activities are conducted.
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(c)
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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.
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(d)
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The
university of Hawaii shall adopt policies and procedures to implement this
section.
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SECTION
5.
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New statutory material is
underscored.
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SECTION 6.
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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.
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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.