Hawaii considers to legalize gambling

A state senate subcommittee has recently passed two resolutions that could affect the New Aloha Stadium project. One urges the Stadium Authority to finalize a construction contract and develop the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. The other proposes creating a state-led ‘Gaming Working Group’ to study legalized gambling in Hawaii.

Supporters of the bill believe that gambling at the district would help cover funding gaps within the state. This comes after a recent poll shows nearly 70% of Hawaii residents in support of the Aloha Stadium project.

“Well, it’s not quite ready for prime time,”  Governor Josh Green said. “As you see, the legislature is being cautious, and that’s smart. But it was interesting to see. We got a survey or poll of people, and about two out of three in our state wanted to do gaming as long as the monies went to an important set of projects, mostly housing. So, a lot of people want housing. Interestingly, the Hawaiian community, in an overwhelmingly big number, wanted this gambling option as long as it went towards housing for Hawaiians. So it may find its time, and that would certainly unlock the key to building a bigger and more beautiful stadium and entertainment district.”

Governor Green says the contracts with developer Aloha Halawa District Partners will be completed by an upcoming June deadline.

“I’m gonna encourage them to go forward no matter what,” Governor Green said. “We have the $400,000,000. We need to demolish the old stadium. I think you build the stadium. We’ve actually made overtures to several different affluent entities to invest in $50,000,000 increments or bigger. We really would like to have $800,000,000 to build a modern stadium as a part of this district, and that’s why people are talking about gambling, which I’m neutral on right now, but also these other options. You could see the renderings; they’re really beautiful, and it will generate revenue for our state.”

The target date for opening is in time for the 2028 University of Hawaii football season. NASED says that Aloha Halawa District Partner’s believers this is “an ambitious, yet achievable target”. The construction contract must be signed by June to avoid losing state funding.

By Sam Spangler