Hawaii has decided once again not to allow gambling in the islands. This comes as great news to those who have opposed it for many years and were worried that this legislative session would advance a bill that would allow some form of gambling. There were over 17 gambling based initiatives this year and one bill in particular that would’ve allowed for a casino moved through the Legislature farther than expected. Public testimony on the various gambling measures was overwhelmingly negative. This is been the case almost every year for the last 10 years. However, with the lagging economy and the education deficits legislators seem to be actually more willing to advance them.
Proponents for gambling in Hawaii believe it’s been a long time coming. Year after year these gaming bills get introduced and sometimes even get national media attention. This year the attention was much greater than in past years and as a result, proponents felt like this might be their year. The Legislature took a closer look because they had to consider many tax increases and fee increases to generate income.
So it would appear that Hawaii will remain free of legalized gambling. As members of the local visitor industry, we at Hawaii Aloha Travel believe that’s a good thing. One of the great things about Hawaii is that it’s largely a family destination. That means there’s a lot of things to do here without having gambling as part of your vacation mix. You can come to Hawaii and not have to worry about losing your shirt in a casino. It’s also no secret that a Hawaii vacation can be costly, so gambling is another expense you won’t have to worry about while you’re here.
Posted by Bruce Fisher follow me on twitter @alohabruce
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
March 23rd, 2010
Just about every year around this time the legislature in Hawaii considers the idea of gambling in one form or another. Bringing gambling to Hawaii is very controversial because currently there is no formal gambling allowed of any kind. There is no bingo, no lottery or scratch off tickets like in other states in the union. Hawaii is one of only one other state (Utah) in the union that does not allow gambling. At the same time, people still gamble Hawaii. There is a lot of illegal gambling going on and Las Vegas is the top destination for folks living here in the islands to visit; Sin city has been referred to as the 7th Hawaiian island. More recently with the Akaka Bill moving through Congress which will give native Hawaiians some of the same rights as native Americans, the idea of casino gambling on these Hawaiian homelands has created a new interest in bringing gambling to the state.
Those who are for gambling think it will be good for the economy and bring much-needed dollars to state coffers, especially to the education sector which is currently underfunded and as a result has resorted to a four-day school week because of lack of money. Those who are against gambling believe that no new dollars will be created and that it will create crime which will lead to problems problems for the tourism industry. Both sides have valid points but unfortunately with an issue like this there’s very little way to compromise.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii and think gambling needs to be part of the equation then you might want to think twice. It’s actually the perfect family destination because you don’t have to worry about some of the things that are associated with the casino gambling that exists in other destinations. You can really spend some quality time with your loved one or kids. There’s so much to do and see here that you’ll hardly ever even think that you missed gambling. It’s really an opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii has to offer.
If gambling is something that you just can’t live without on your Hawaii vacation you may want to consider one of the cruises that come to the islands. There are ships leaving from mainland destinations and have casinos on board. Remember there is no gambling in Hawaiian waters either so it’s some point during your trip over the casino will be off-limits.
Posted by Bruce Fisher follow me on twitter @alohabruce
Related Links
Akaka Bill
Hawaii Cruises for 2010
Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
February 15th, 2010
With the Hawaii State Legislature about to go into session for 2009, the question of gambling is sure to appear on the agenda. The issue appears every year, with some discussion and little change. Hawaii and Utah remain the only states without legalized gambling of any kind.
Despite the ban, gambling actually abounds in Hawaii. Hawaii residents still find ways to place bets and play games of chance, and visitors can, too. Hawaii’s love of gambling can be seen in Nevada’s casinos, the top destination for islanders and sometimes referred to as the "ninth Hawaiian island." The California Hotel and Casino charters more than 10,000 Hawaii travelers every month to Las Vegas. Several lottery and casino companies continually lobby the legislature and business leaders to open the way for them to set up in Hawaii.
No soap so far.
But the economy is spurring some re-thhinking. Without question, the state — and the visitor industry in particular — could use some stimulation. A state senator has said she may propose a bill this session to allow electronic gambling such as slot machines in resort communities to create a new revenue stream, indicating the bill would likely be limited to Honolulu and to designated sites such as hotels. Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann said he would oppose any effort to legalize gambling in Waikiki or anywhere else on Oahu. Hawaii governor Linda Lingle has opposed gambling and says now, "I haven’t changed my opinion one bit."
Honolulu city officials, including the police chief, say they would oppose any proposal to legalize gambling on Oahu, citing the social costs that come with that. According to city council member, who is not completely opposed to the idea, "We should examine legalizing gambling everywhere throughout the state, and we need to do it with eyes open about the enormous social costs that come with legalization."
So it would appear that Hawaii will remain free of legalized gambling. As members of the local visitor industry, we at Hawaii Aloha Travel believe that’s a good thing. One of the great things about Hawaii is that it’s largely a family destination. That means there’s a lot of things to do here without having gambling as part of your vacation mix. You can come to Hawaii and not have to worry about losing your shirt in a casino. It’s also no secret that a Hawaii vacation can be costly, so gambling is another expense you won’t have to worry about while you’re here.
Posted by Jim Winpenny
Related Blog Posts:
Can you gamble on you Hawaii Vacation
Relaxing Hawaii
Hawaii’s Strange Politics
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Published by Bruce Fisher
Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
January 16th, 2009
