GAMING IN HAWAII? A VERY BAD BET!
RELATED? Rewrite of Native Hawaiian Bill Contains Potential Gaming Loophole
The bill to establish a gaming commission to oversee casino gaming is moving this legislative session. If passed, the bill (HB 2251 HD1) would allow the gaming commission to issue one 5-year license to a casino gaming operation in a county with a population of more than 500,000. The bill also creates a wagering tax on casino gaming. (HB2251 HD1 - click to read bill) .
CURRENT STATUS OF BILL:
Sadly the bill has already passed the House Judiciary committee and the Committee on Consumer Protection and Finance.
The House Judiciary Committee votes were as follows: The votes were as follows:
- 10 Ayes: Representative(s) Karamatsu, Ito, Herkes, McKelvey, B. Oshiro, Souki, Tsuji;
- Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Cabanilla, Mizuno, Wakai;
- 4 Noes: Representative(s) Belatti, Morita, Marumoto, Thielen; and
- 2 Excused: Representative(s) Carroll, Luke.
The House Consumer Protection and Commerce voted as follows:
- 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Herkes, Ito, Karamatsu, McKelvey, Souki, Tsuji;
- Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Wakai, Cabanilla, Mizuno;
- 4 Noes: Representative(s) Belatti, Morita, Marumoto, Thielen; and
- 2 Excused: Representative(s) Carroll, Luke.
Right now you have the opportunity to voice your opposition to gambling in Hawaii by contacting the House Finance Committee.
ACTION
1. Email Finance Chair Representative Marcus Oshiro and email Vice-Chair Marilyn Lee and tell them you are voters who are strongly opposed to gambling in Hawaii.
2. Send in testimony in OPPOSITION TO HB 2251 HD1 24 hours prior (TUESDAY at 12:30 pm) to the hearing with a transmittal cover with the following information: Your name, Testimony Addressed to the Attention of House Finance; Hearing for Wednesday, February 24, 2010 and the bill number (H2251 HD Please clearly state that you are OPPOSED to HB 2251 HD1. Submit your written testimony via the WEB at http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/emailtestimony.
3. Show up at the hearing. Contact Dennis Arakaki if you would like to visit members of the Finance committee and/or your own personal representative. Please also let him know if you plan to be at the hearing.
RESOURCES ON GAMBLING AND ITS SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROBLEMS:
Click this link to send your message: http://www.votervoice.net/link/target/hiff/9tK4zyc2.aspx
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