DHHL STATEMENT ON NEW GAMBLING REPORT
DHHL Statement on New Gambling Report
(Kapolei, Oʻahu) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Deputy Tyler Iokepa Gomes issued the following statement following the Monday, Feb. 1 press conference hosted by Representative Stacelyn K.M. Eli on the impacts of the proposed DHHL Casino on Native Hawaiians, immigrants, and women.
“We acknowledge the social concerns brought up in today’s press conference and in the newly issued report, ‘Gambling With Women’s Safety: A Feminist Assessment of DHHL Proposed Resort Casino.’ It is no secret that illegal gaming is already a reality in our communities and that there are related social ills already in existence.
“The Chair and I believe that gaming can be responsibly implemented in Hawaiʻi through a regulatory process that sets aside resources to aid in the mitigation of the potential impacts. These resources can fund similar public safety measures and best practices that have already been developed and administered by countries like Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand.
“DHHL’s proposal was written with social responsibility in mind and includes specific funding sources that would help alleviate negative social impacts.”
More information on DHHL’s proposed legislation can be found on the Department’s website at dhhl.hawaii.gov/government-relations.