Push for stand-alone casino in Honolulu appears to be dead

A push to make Hawaii the 49th state with gaming is apparently dead in the legislature.

A proposed stand-alone casino located in Honolulu’s Waikiki area stalled in a state House Committee, when members decided to defer the bill. The decision means the casino proposal is likely dead for the session, although it can be brought up again at any time before the Legislature adjourns May 3.

Under the bill, Hawaii would have created a state gaming commission that would impose a 15 percent tax on the casino’s gross receipts.

Committee Chairman Tom Brower said he wanted to take up the measure to keep the conversation open.

"Is gambling evil, or do people lack self-control?" Brower asked at a Monday hearing. "Personally, I don’t think gambling can make people anything that they aren’t already."

Most of the testimony submitted at the hearing opposed gambling, including that from Honolulu’s mayor and police department, as well as the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The state departments of Budget and Finance and Business, Economic Development and Tourism submitted testimony without taking a position.

Most opponents pointed to problems associated with legalized gambling, such as increased crime, unemployment, bankruptcy and family dysfunction.