Sports betting legislation in Hawaii continues to make progress through the state legislature. The Hawaii Senate Joint Committee, focusing on Economic Development and Commerce, unanimously approved House Bill 1308 with a 9-0 vote, though four members voted with reservations.

The legislation proposes at least four online sports betting licenses and initially suggested the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) as the regulatory body. However, DCCA Director Nadine Ando expressed concerns about their capacity to regulate sports betting effectively, citing complexity and high costs.

Key Points of the Bill:

• Minimum of four online sports betting licenses
• Regulation shifted to Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)
• Currently awaiting review by Senate Ways and Means Committee

Support for the bill comes primarily from groups like the Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council, representing 35,000 workers, who view it as a necessary source of new state revenue. Council representative Cliff Laboy emphasized the urgent need for additional state funding, particularly given the seasonal nature of construction work in Hawaii.

Opposition includes the Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, which criticized the bill for:

• Limited regulatory framework
• Minimal punishment for unlicensed operators
• Potential increase in adverse societal impacts
• Higher crime rates
• Associated regulatory costs

The bill now moves to the Senate Ways and Means Committee before potentially reaching the Senate floor for further discussion and voting.

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