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Council moves to tighten rules on game rooms and electronic amusement devices, citing crime and enforcement gaps
Summary
Councilmembers approved second-reading amendments to bills that expand definitions and penalties for illegal game rooms and electronic amusement devices. The measures are part of a package aimed at curbing violence, gambling and other illegal activity associated with unregulated game rooms.
The Honolulu City Council voted to advance a pair of measures on electronic amusement devices and gambling-related activity, including a measure that tightens permit and enforcement requirements for premises operating such devices.
Council discussion and intent: Councilmember Tupelo, who helped steer the bills, said the rules respond to repeated community complaints that illegal or lightly regulated game rooms bring violence, drugs and other illegal activity to neighborhoods. "A lot of people are asking why we continuously break down game rooms and then the very next week it's back. Not enough tools," Tupelo said.
The ordinance amendments add definitions for mechanical and video amusement devices, require permits for operators and make permits public and non-transferable. The committee worked with the city prosecutor and police on wording to create a straightforward enforcement standard.
Public testimony: Natalie Iwasa testified with cautions about broad definitions and how electronic games may intersect with state-level sports wagering changes. She urged the council to consider the boundaries of the new definitions and possible unintended coverage of other gaming activities.
Votes and next steps: Both Bill 11 (electronic amusement device regulation) and Bill 12 (gambling-related enforcement) passed second reading with unanimous recorded votes (9 ayes). Councilmembers said the measures are part of a package that will be enforced alongside other steps to address illegal gaming.
Key quotation
"What we need is more tools. That's it," Councilmember Tupelo said, describing the bills as adding enforcement options to the city's toolkit.
What the council approved (selected actions)
- Bill 11 CD1 (electronic amusement device regulation): passed second reading (roll call recorded 9 ayes). - Bill 12 CD1 (gambling/enforcement): passed second reading (roll call recorded 9 ayes).
What happens next: Councilmembers expect the bills to return for final reading after committee edits and coordination with prosecutors and enforcement agencies.
