It doesn't have a hearing scheduled yet, but there is now a bill to create a state lottery in Hawaii.
It was introduced last Friday by Joe Souki, the speaker of the House of Representatives, who said recently that a lottery for the state is a distinct possibility.
House Bill 1830 authorizes the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to license a single operator for a lottery, including keno.
A lottery, according to the legislation, would benefit people in this way:
- enhancing their opportunity for educational advancement;
- relieving or protecting them from disease, suffering, or distress;
- contributing to their physical well-being;
- assisting them in establishing themselves in life as worthy and useful citizens;
- providing them with opportunities to contribute to the betterment of the community; or
- increasing their comprehension of and devotion to the principles upon which this nation was founded.
The revenue, meanwhile, could be used for these purposes:
- initiating, performing, or fostering worthy public works or enabling or furthering the erection or maintenance of public structures;
- lessening the burdens borne by government or voluntarily supporting, augmenting, or supplementing services that government would normally render to the people; or
- providing tax relief for the community.
The full bill text can be found in the PDF file in the Related Links section below.
It's a very detailed proposal, suggesting that the idea has support. It also suggests that at least one lottery vendor was involved in crafting the bill.
The bill's backers include Vice Speaker John Mizuno and Finance Chair Sylvia Luke.
Mizuno said Sen. Will Espero plans to introduce a similar measure on the other side of the Capitol.
It would be really nice if they could set aside some to fund the Native Hawaiians sovereignty movement.
RL
aloha
First Alabama, then Alaska now Hawaii WOO HOO hopefully all three bill will pass.
Mahalo Hawaii,
This has not passed yet but I am once again eating my words. I said Hawaii would NEVER allow any gambling or lottery.
I am shocked to say the least.
If they legalize gambling I'm sue Hawaii could give Las Vegas a run for its money when it comes to asian customers. They should have acted quicker, as the chinese demand is shrinking.
Seems like that last PB for $1.586B shook a few states up. Now, everybody want to join.
Join in on the fun for a chance. And Alaska too!
For the life of me can't remember the time difference from the West Coast to Hawaii; so they will have an afternoon cut-off for playing lottery in the beautiful Hawaiian sun. Let the people decide if they want it or not. Afterall it's their money to spend as the choose, not to be dictated by some politician or in the case of Alabama or Mississippi a Bible thumper.
I hate to say this. I know it salt in a wound, sort a speak. Hawaii will more then likely have it lottery up & run before Ala.
Hawaii is 2 hours earlier then west coast.
Yea, Hawaii needs something, not like they can drive across the state line...or even county.
Remember when California was missing out on the big PB Jackpots. Then they join the Powerball on 4/2013...Now it looks like some of these other states wants to get in on the action, with the biggest Jackpot ever played. 1.6 billion. Guess now they are seeing what they are a missing out on now!
Hawaiians can play a state lottery, just not a Hawaiian state lottery. The Massachusetts lottery has a subscription service which is available across the United States. You don't have to reside in Massachusetts to participate, you can subscribe by phone from the comfort of your home.