Shipboard Gaming Authorized

Senate Bill (S.B.) 477, sponsored by Sen. Whitney Anderson (R-Kailua, Waimanalo), authorizes shipboard gaming upon navigable waters in the state and provides for an advisory referendum. Under the bill, shipboard gaming would be licensed and regulated by a five-member gaming board, which would be established within the Business, Economic Development and Tourism Department. S.B. 477 would also authorize the operation of shuttles to transport individuals to and from gaming ships. Dockside gaming would be forbidden, and gaming excursions could not exceed six hours for a round trip. The legislation provides for a per-person admissions tax of $10. S.B. 477 was referred to the Economic Development Committee and the Judiciary Committee, and then to the Ways and Means Committee.