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Senate advances gaming working-group bill after wide-ranging public testimony and demands for Native Hawaiian representation
Summary
Lawmakers passed an SD1 establishing a working group to study gaming and tourism policy after hours of testimony that included industry support, Native Hawaiian objections and calls for clearer membership rules; the bill was amended to add seats and funding rules and will be reported with committee concerns about past legislation.
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism advanced Senate Bill 891 (SB891) as SD1 on Feb. 11, 2025, after an extended hearing that included industry testimony, statements from Native Hawaiian advocates and detailed questioning from senators about membership, scope and past legislative history.
Supporters including Boyd Gaming told the committee the measure would allow a structured discussion of gaming policy; Erin Midby of Boyd Gaming said the bill was “a phenomenal first step” toward a state policy framework. Industry proponents urged a working group to gather stakeholders and clarify how any future gaming proposals would be shaped.
Opponents and Native Hawaiian speakers said the bill…
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