Senate committee deadlocks on Native Hawaiian economic‑development working group; measure fails

Senator Lynn DeCoite, chair of the Senate Committee on Hawaiian Affairs, called for a vote April 15 on HCR 192 HD2, a House resolution requesting the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to form a Native Hawaiian economic development working group. Committee members declined to adopt the chair’s amended recommendation and the measure failed.

The resolution drew lengthy public comment both supporting and opposing any formal exploration that would include gaming. Supporters, including representatives of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and members of several Native Hawaiian organizations, said the working group could ensure Hawaiians lead discussions about any future economic-development options. "For us, this isn't about chasing profits, it's about reconciliation," said Brandon Makahava, speaking for a Nation of Hawaii delegation.

Opponents, including Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm and multiple community members, urged the committee to reject any step toward legalizing gambling. "We're in opposition to this," Alm said, citing concerns that online sports betting and other forms of legalized gambling would increase addiction and financial harms. Alm and several public speakers said they were particularly worried about online sports betting, which Alm described as a "casino in your hand." Supporters and opponents repeatedly urged that Native Hawaiians be included in any discussions about development choices that would affect their communities.

Committee debate focused on the scope and intent of the working group. Senator DeCoite and other members described the group as convened to study economic development options and to return a report to the Legislature. Several legislators and speakers said they supported a working group if it were led by Hawaiians and if its scope included a broad study — not a preordained plan to legalize gambling. Senator Richards pressed supporters to clarify that convening a working group did not equal legalizing gaming.

Testimony included several quantitative claims and studies cited by speakers: the Department of Taxation’s testimony cited an initial revenue estimate of about $5.5 million in the first year; prosecutor Alm referenced industry data that he said show roughly 96 percent of online bettors lose money; public commenters cited studies and local reports suggesting spikes in addiction and related harms in jurisdictions that expanded gambling.

At roll call the committee did not adopt the chair’s recommendation to pass with amendments to incorporate the Senate language in SCR 121 SD1. The chair voted with reservations; the vice chair voted with reservations; Senators Ihara and deCourt voted no; Senator Keohokalole was excused. The chair announced the recommendation did not pass and the resolution failed.

The committee record shows an extended public comment period and follow-up questions from committee members requesting the working group — if reconvened — include law enforcement, social services and data on financial and addiction impacts. The transcript records no final direction to staff beyond the failed vote.

HCR 192 HD2 had sought to convene stakeholders — including cultural practitioners, service providers, law enforcement and economic-development officials — to evaluate options for Native Hawaiian economic development, with competing testimony emphasizing either potential opportunities or the risks of legalized gambling.

The committee adjourned after the vote.