Shipboard Gaming Bill Dies

The casino gaming issue is dead for another year in the Hawaii Legislature, with the House Democratic leadership deciding to kill a bill to allow gaming on ships. House Bill 2904, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Chang (D-Hilo) and at least 11 other legislators, passed the House Tourism Committee, which approved the measure with amendments and a referral to the Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee, which is chaired by Rep. Eric Hamakawa (D-Hilo), an opponent of gambling. Gov. Benjamin Cayetano had promised to veto any gaming measure that made it to his desk.