HB 1527: New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District; University of Hawaii Athletic Programs; Gambling; Prohibition
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-01-14
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-02-05: The committee(s) on WAL recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill bans any casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility on state lands in or adjacent to the new Aloha Stadium development district and on lands under the Stadium Authority. It also bars University of Hawaii teams from playing in venues that are run by, attached to, or physically part of a gambling enterprise, while allowing routine naming-rights or advertising deals from gambling companies if the venue itself is not operated by or integrated with a casino.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Prohibits any casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility from being located on state lands within or adjacent to the Aloha Stadium Development District project area or on any lands under the jurisdiction of the Stadium Authority. Prohibits athletic programs of the University of Hawaii from competing in venues that are operated by or physically integrated with a gambling enterprise while clarifying that standard naming-rights or advertising agreements do not constitute prohibited sponsorships.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1527 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to gambling.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the stadium development district established for aloha stadium is intended to support public benefit uses, including athletics and community events, and that gambling is inconsistent with the State's long-standing public policy against casino gambling.
The legislature further finds that private developers may speculate on the future legalization of gambling in Hawaii, potentially affecting financing assumptions and community expectations for state projects. The legislature affirms that gambling shall be prohibited on any part of the new aloha stadium development district.
The legislature additionally finds that gambling enterprises can threaten the integrity of amateur athletics through match-fixing, undue financial influence, and compromised competitive environments. As the home of a Division I athletic program, the State has a responsibility to ensure that university of Hawaii student-athletes are not placed in casino-affiliated environments.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Prohibit any casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility from being located on state lands within or adjacent to the aloha stadium development district or on any lands under the jurisdiction of the stadium authority; and
(2) Ensure that athletic programs of the university of Hawaii do not compete in venues that are operated by or physically integrated with a gambling enterprise while clarifying that standard naming-rights or advertising agreements do not constitute prohibited sponsorships.
Furthermore, the legislature intends that this Act shall not be construed as authorizing any form of legalized gambling in the State.
SECTION 2. Chapter 109, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§109- Prohibition against gambling. (a) As used in this section:
"Casino" means any facility in which gambling occurs.
"Gambling" has the same meaning as in section 712-1220.
"Gambling enterprise" means any entity whose primary business involves gambling or wagering activities.
"Gambling facility" means any structure used primarily for gambling purposes.
(b) The stadium authority shall not authorize, permit, or enter into any agreement allowing the development, construction, operation, or management of any casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility on any lands under its jurisdiction.
(c) The stadium authority shall not approve any master development agreement, lease, or sublease that includes gambling activities or contemplates the future establishment of such activities."
SECTION 3. Chapter 206E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IX to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§206E- Casino; gambling; prohibition. (a) As used in this section:
"Casino" means any facility in which gambling occurs.
"Gambling" has the same meaning as in section 712-1220.
"Gambling enterprise" means any entity whose primary business involves gambling or wagering activities.
"Gambling facility" means any structure used primarily for gambling purposes.
(b) No casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility shall be developed, constructed, operated, or permitted on any state-owned lands located in the district, including any parcels adjacent to, contiguous with, or functionally integrated into the project area.
(c) No state agency shall enter into, extend, or amend any lease, development agreement, license, or memorandum of understanding that authorizes or contemplates the future establishment of a casino, gambling facility, or gambling enterprise on lands identified in subsection (b)."
SECTION 4. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§304A- Competition in gambling-affiliated venues; prohibition. (a) As used in this section:
"Casino" means any facility in which gambling occurs.
"Gambling" has the same meaning as in section 712-1220.
"Gambling enterprise" means any entity whose primary business involves gambling or wagering activities.
"Gambling facility" means any structure used primarily for gambling purposes.
(b) University of Hawaii athletic programs shall not schedule, participate in, or compete in any athletic contest held in the state that is:
(1) A venue that is located within or physically attached to a casino or gambling facility;
(2) A venue that is operated or managed by a gambling enterprise; or
(3) A venue in which gambling activities are conducted.
(c) For the purposes of this section, a standard naming-rights or advertising agreement that is sponsored by a gambling enterprise shall be permitted; provided that the gambling enterprise does not operate or conduct activities at the venue and the venue is not physically integrated with a gambling facility.
(d) The university of Hawaii shall adopt policies and procedures to implement this section."
SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District; University of Hawaii Athletic Programs; Gambling; Prohibition
Description:
Prohibits any casino, gambling enterprise, or gambling facility from being located on state lands within or adjacent to the Aloha Stadium Development District project area or on any lands under the jurisdiction of the Stadium Authority. Prohibits athletic programs of the University of Hawaii from competing in venues that are operated by or physically integrated with a gambling enterprise while clarifying that standard naming-rights or advertising agreements do not constitute prohibited sponsorships.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAL recommend(s) that the measure be deferred. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by WAL on Thursday, 02-05-26 9:00AM in House conference room 411 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Referred to WAL, ECD/HED, FIN, referral sheet 1 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 14, 2026 | Prefiled. |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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| Department of the Prosecuting Attorney, City and County of Honolulu | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Hawaii Family Forum | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Hawaii State Commission on the Status of Women | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Honolulu Police Department | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 3 | *** Against | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Stadium Authority (Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism) | *** Against | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Stop Predatory Gambling | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| The Institute for Human Services, Inc. (IHS) | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| University of Illinois (Emeritus) | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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| Feb 5, 2026 | HB1527_TESTIMONY_WAL_02-05-26_.PDF |
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
