HONOLULU, HAWAIʻI — The Nation of Hawai‘i today testified before the Hawaiʻi State Legislature regarding two measures: HB2570 (Relating to Sports Wagering) and HB1945 (Relating to Gaming on Cruise Ships).

Vice President Brandon Makaʻawaʻawa, who serves on the State’s Tourism and Gaming Working Group, delivered testimony grounded in the Nation’s broader position: governance first, listening first, and long-term responsibility over short-term revenue proposals.

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HB2570 — Relating to Sports Wagering

In testimony regarding online sports wagering, the Nation of Hawai‘i expressed opposition to advancing the measure at this time.

“The Legislature has already begun this work through the prior sports wagering study and now through the Tourism and Gaming Working Group,” Vice President Makaʻawaʻawa stated. “From our perspective, this process provides time to consider regulatory and revenue questions, but ultimately the focus must remain on how these decisions are experienced by our communities over time.”

The Vice President emphasized that significant questions remain unanswered.

“The earlier working group did not reach a recommendation to proceed, and important questions remain around revenue projections, local economic benefit, and social impact. This is in addition to the Legislature rejecting this proposal last year — and things have not changed.”

He further noted that online sports wagering does not create meaningful local economic foundations.

“Online sports wagering does not create jobs, provide revenue back into our communities, or have a lasting economic impact in Hawai‘i. Almost all activity happens on platforms based outside of Hawai‘i, meaning revenue leaves the islands while the responsibility for impacts remains in our communities. It is an exporter of our dollars.”

The Nation reiterated its belief that allowing the Tourism and Gaming Working Group to complete its work would provide clarity and safeguard community interests.

“Allowing the working group to complete its work gives Hawai‘i the opportunity to move forward with clearer understanding and in a way that reflects responsibility to the people and care for the ʻāina.”

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HB1945 — Relating to Gaming on Cruise Ships

On the proposal to allow gaming activity aboard cruise ships while docked in Hawaiʻi, the Nation’s testimony focused on economic integrity and long-term impact.

“For this bill, the Nation’s concern is less about the idea of gaming itself and more about where the benefit actually stays,” Vice President Makaʻawaʻawa testified.

He highlighted structural concerns around revenue flow and economic retention.

“Gaming on cruise ships occurs largely outside Hawai‘i’s local economy. The vessels, operators, and revenue structures are based elsewhere, so most of the economic value leaves the islands while the impacts remain here.”

The testimony raised important questions regarding sustainability and jurisdiction.

“This raises an important question about whether this type of activity meaningfully strengthens Hawai‘i’s long-term economic foundations — and whether these entities would actually participate when they can go into international waters and not have to pay taxes.”

As with sports wagering, the Nation encouraged lawmakers to situate this proposal within the broader work already underway.

“The Legislature has already established the Tourism and Gaming Working Group to examine these questions comprehensively. Proposals like this are best considered within that broader discussion rather than in isolation.”

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Aligning with the Nation’s Broader Vision

Today’s testimony reflects the Nation of Hawai‘i’s consistent position:
• Gaming discussions must be approached deliberately.
• Governance and safeguards must precede expansion.
• Community impacts must be considered over time.
• Economic benefit must remain in Hawaiʻi.
• Decisions must align with responsibility to the people and care for the ʻāina.

The Nation continues to support allowing the Tourism and Gaming Working Group — on which Vice President Makaʻawaʻawa serves — to complete its term and fully evaluate gaming policy as a whole before piecemeal measures move forward.

As legislative discussions continue, the Nation of Hawai‘i remains committed to:
• Listening-first engagement
• Transparent dialogue
• Responsible governance frameworks
• Native Hawaiian leadership in shaping long-term economic policy

The Nation’s position is clear: If gaming is to be discussed in Hawaiʻi’s future, it must be done deliberately, comprehensively, and in alignment with Hawaiʻi’s values — not through incremental measures detached from broader oversight.

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For more information, visit nationofhawaii.org/gaming

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