State Representative Joe Souki had proposed House Bill 2788, which would allow a single casino to havea 20-year license to operate in Waikiki. The bill stated that the casino would have to pay 15 percent of the casino’s gross receipts in taxes and would have also created a Hawaii Gaming Commission. A state House committee is currently hearing testimonials from all parties regarding the bill proposal.
Tom Brower, the Tourism Committee Chariman, supported the bill and stated, “Gambling could be a new industry for Hawaii to increase tax revenue and lessen future tax increases on residents. Other world cities show that if gambling is done right, residents benefit; if done wrong, some may suffer.” However, opponents to the bill pointed out that there might be increased crime, unemployment, bankruptcy and family dysfunction.
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 2-14-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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