Sports Betting Bill Passed by Senate Ways & Means (Battle is NOT Over!)

from Hawaii Family Forum, April 2, 2025

Today the Senate Ways and Means committee passed the sports betting bill (HB1308 SD1) out of committee with amendments.  Hawaii Family Forum submitted testimony in opposition. We truly appreciate the NO VOTES of Senator Moriwaki and Senator Inouye.

The votes in WAM were as follows: 
7 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, DeCoite, Hashimoto, Kanuha, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; 
4 Aye(s) with reservations: Senator(s) Aquino, Elefante, Kidani, Kim ; 
2 No(es): Senator(s) Moriwaki, Inouye

You can watch the short 3-minute clip of the passage by clicking the link below. Senator Dela Cruz explains what the committee is changing (for SD2).

STATUS: The bill will now move to the full Senate floor for third reading.  

TAKE ACTION:  If you don't want to see legalized gambling change the landscape of Hawaii's culture, please take a moment to send a message to your Senator and ask them to VOTE NO ON HB1308 SD2 Relating to Sports Betting when it gets to the floor for 3rd reading.

Although the bill has not been scheduled for third reading yet, it will be very soon.  If you want to send a message now, please do so.  We have made it really easy for you to do by clicking the button below.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION

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LAST CALL: Protect Hawai‘i—Say NO to Legalized Gambling (HB1308 SD2)

from HawaiiFamilyForum, April 4, 2025

The Senate will have its final vote on the sports betting bill on Tuesday, April 8.  Should the bill pass the Senate, we will be one step closer to legalized gambling Hawaii and I'm sure you feel as I do - let's keep the culture in Hawaii the way it is. That's why I am reaching out to you today.

As we mentioned in our previous emails, sport, at its best, builds character. It teaches discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. It brings our communities together, creating moments of joy and unity that transcend differences. But legalizing sports gambling will take us down a very different path.

HB1308 SD2 threatens to commercialize our beloved sports culture—turning games into betting platforms and athletes into commodities. This isn’t just a policy shift—it’s a cultural one.

The bill boldly claims that “sports wagering shall not be considered games of chance or gambling,” but let’s be clear: wagering money on sports outcomes is gambling—and it opens the floodgates to more.

Hawai‘i has always stood strong in resisting legalized gambling. We are one of only two states that have protected our people, our keiki, and our culture from its harmful effects. HB1308 SD2 cracks open a door to legalized gambling that we may never be able to close.

This final vote on April 8 is critical and you can make a difference by asking your Senator to vote No on HB1308 SD2.
 Current Status:

The bill will be debated on the floor of the Senate for third reading.  The date for third reading is set for Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

IF PASSED, it will go back to the House who will then EITHER  (1) agree to Senate changes in which case it would go directly to the Governor for signature or (2) disagree to Senate changes in which case the bill would be assigned to a conference committee where members assigned will debate the contents to come up with a version to be voted on by both chambers.

TIME TO RAISE YOUR VOICE AND ASK YOUR SENATOR TO VOTE NO ON HB1308 SD2)

Take Action

Your Senator needs to hear from you no later than Tuesday morning! By clicking the link below, you will be able to send a message right from our system.  The pre-populated message is customizable so you can change.  Tell your stories about the dangers.  

Pray for Hawaii's legislature as they debate this very important issue!
Click this link to contact Senator. Contact YOUR SENATOR and ask them to vote no on HB1308 SD2 Relating to Sports Betting.
Click here for talking points and resources
Ask your family and friends to do the same.  

Mahalo for your kind consideration of this request.

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HB1308: Text, Status