The Hawaii State Legislature indefinitely deferred a bill to legalize casino gambling in Hawaii.
The decision to end the bill was made on Thursday afternoon. Senate Bill 893 would have established a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission to oversee casinos added to the new Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. A 15% wagering tax of gross receipts was also included in this bill.
State Senator Lynn DeCoite discussed the bill’s overwhelming opposition when she made the pivotal announcement. She said that Hawaii isn’t a place where they want to continue taxing residents.
Testimonies that opposed casinos were heard from parties such as the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of the Attorney General and Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney.
