Despite heavy opposition, two no votes, and some “yay” votes with reservations, the Hawaii House Committee on Economic Development & Technology on Wednesday afternoon moved forward a bill that would allow for statewide online sports betting. The bill advanced 5-2, including two “yes” votes with reservations.
The committee explored and heard testimony on many facets of legalizing sports betting. Forty-one people or groups testified in opposition to the bill while 11 testified in support. Not all witnesses were present or gave verbal testimony.
Rep. Daniel Holt, who previously has championed legal sports betting, voted in favor of the bill, but before the vote said, “I appreciate you moving this forward, and all the work you have done, but it was not my idea and I was not consulted, and I just want to put that out there.”
