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ABOUT ILLEGAL GAME ROOMS

Why are illegal gambling rooms a problem?

 

  1. Criminal Activities: Illegal gambling rooms are often linked with other criminal activities, including drug trafficking, loan sharking, and even violent crimes. The presence of these establishments can thus attract or foster a range of illegal activities in the community.
     

  2. Addiction and Social Issues: Since gambling can be addictive, the presence of illegal gambling rooms can exacerbate issues related to gambling addiction, family problems, and personal financial crises, all without the safety nets or support systems often associated with legal establishments.
     

  3. Public Safety Concerns: Illegal operations often lack proper safety standards and can be fire hazards or otherwise unsafe environments for neighbors.
     

  4. Drain on Law Enforcement Resources: Addressing the issue of illegal gambling rooms takes up valuable law enforcement resources, diverting them from other pressing concerns.

2025 SOLUTIONS

  • Last year, a task force composed of key public safety and community leaders submitted their recommendations to Honolulu's illegal game rooms problem. Their report can be found here.

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  • Bill 11 would require the registration of gaming machines. This would help HPD immediately seize any gaming machines that lack the required registration tags.
     

  • Bill 12 would require the Dept. of Planning and Permitting to work with HPD to ensure code enforcement for gambling-related public nuisances.
     

  • Bill 13 would allow a landlord to request HPD's assistance in acting as the landlord's agent to inspect a property suspected of being an illegal game room, helping with the eviction of an illegal game room tenant.

 

  • Resolution 25-041 urges the State Legislature to adopt legislation to enhance nuisance abatement law penalties to address illegal gambling.
     

  • Resolution 25-042 urges the City administration to provide for unlawful gambling room prevention and reporting programs.​

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