The Hawaii State Legislature has indefinitely deferred a bill that would have legalized casino gambling in the state, effectively shutting down the proposal.
Lawmakers shut down Senate Bill 893 on Thursday, which aimed to establish a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission to oversee casinos within the planned Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, KITV reported. The bill also included a 15% wagering tax on gross receipts.
State Senator Lynn DeCoite, who announced the decision, cited overwhelming opposition to casino gambling. “Casino gambling has not always been a favorite subject,” she said. “Regardless of if we flying to Vegas or flying to any other place, we’ve always had our challenges here in Hawaii.”
Several parties testified against the proposal, including the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Department of the Attorney General, and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism ended the discussion with applause, signaling relief from many attendees over the bill’s demise.