Gaming in Hawaiʻi: Community Voices & Native Hawaiian Perspectives

Friday, June 19, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Puʻuhonua O Waimānalo 

Listen. Learn. Participate.

The future of gaming in Hawaiʻi is actively being discussed through the Hawaiʻi State Legislature and the Tourism and Gaming Working Group.

These discussions raise important questions about tourism, economic development, jobs, public benefit, Native Hawaiian participation, community impacts, and long-term stewardship of our islands.

The Nation of Hawaiʻi believes these conversations should not happen without the people.

Community Hoʻolohe Session #1 is an opportunity for residents, community organizations, labor representatives, Native Hawaiian beneficiaries, business owners, educators, and interested members of the public to gather, learn, and share manaʻo.

This is not a rally. This is not a campaign. This is not a vote. This is a listening session.

Our goal is to hear directly from the community and better understand the hopes, concerns, opportunities, and challenges people see as Hawaiʻi continues to examine gaming-related policy questions.

Discussion Topics

Participants will have the opportunity to discuss:

  • Tourism and Gaming Working Group updates
  • Current legislation and policy discussions
  • Tourism-based economic development
  • Native Hawaiian participation and governance
  • Workforce and labor opportunities
  • Public benefit and revenue allocation
  • Community safeguards and protections
  • Long-term impacts on Hawaiʻi’s communities and ʻāina

All perspectives are welcome.

Why This Matters

For many people, gaming raises important questions. Some see potential opportunities for:

  • jobs,
  • workforce development,
  • economic diversification,
  • housing,
  • education,
  • healthcare,
  • and Native Hawaiian participation.

Others raise concerns regarding:

  • addiction,
  • social impacts,
  • outside ownership,
  • community character,
  • and long-term consequences.

These perspectives deserve to be heard. The Nation of Hawaiʻi is committed to ensuring that community voices remain part of this conversation.

What To Expect

  • Opening Presentation
    • Overview of current legislative activity and Tourism and Gaming Working Group discussions.
  • Community Listening Session
    • Facilitated discussion and public feedback.
  • Questions & Answers
    • Opportunity to ask questions and share manaʻo.
  • Next Steps
    • Discussion of future listening sessions and ongoing engagement opportunities.

RSVP. Share Your Manaʻo.

Space is limited. Please register in advance so we can adequately prepare seating, materials and discussion groups. Whether you support gaming, oppose gaming, or remain undecided, your voice matters. The purpose of this session is not to promote a predetermined outcome. The purpose is to listen. Because decisions of this magnitude should not be made without the people.

Learn More + Questions?

gaming@nohgov.com