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Prosecutor, police and anti‑gambling advocates urge restriction; committee defers HP 15 27
Summary
Testimony on HP 15 27 emphasized social harms associated with commercialized gambling. A prosecutor and Honolulu Police Department representative urged lawmakers to restrict casino authorization; the bill was later deferred by the committee.
The committee took public testimony on HP 15 27, a measure addressing gambling. A prosecuting attorney, Steve Baum, opened oral testimony citing law‑enforcement concerns and arguing casinos bring human‑trafficking, increased crime and harms to athletes and communities. "A a casino brings more *** trafficking. It brings more crime to the area," Baum said.
Major Jerome Picaro with the Honolulu Police Department said HPD submitted written testimony and that the department stands in support of measures intended to protect residents. Les Purnell, national director of Stop Predatory Gambling, urged the committee to preserve Hawaii’s current restrictions and described predatory gambling as a national fiscal and social problem.
After hearing public testimony, the chair noted there was disagreement about the scope of impacts. The committee ultimately deferred the measure, allowing more time for consideration and to reconcile concerns raised in testimony.
No formal committee vote to advance the bill was recorded during the session; the item remained deferred at the hearing’s close.
