Report Title:

Gaming Referendum

 

Description:

Requires an advisory referendum question on whether or not the State of Hawaii shall have legalized gaming and then asks, on each of three forms of gaming, which type of legalized gaming shall be undertaken.

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

83

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to a referendum on gaming.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the economy of Hawaii and the economic well-being of its citizens are severely threatened by the serious world-wide economic crisis. As a result of this economic crisis, the ability of the State to provide basic services to its citizens has been threatened. The legislature has received a mandate from the electorate of the State to address the massive shortfall of revenue that is threatening county and state programs, as well as its economic growth. In order to maintain much needed social programs, guarantee quality education, expand economic growth, and compete in the evermore competitive global tourism market, the State should address these needs by exploring legalizing gaming as an alternative source of revenue.

The purpose of this Act is to require an advisory referendum on the issue of whether the State should legalize gaming to stimulate economic growth and if so, what form of legalized gaming shall be allowed. This issue has engendered several studies and heated debate among the business community, the government, and the community-at-large. The legislature finds that it is more appropriate that the public make the decision whether to allow legalized gaming in some form.

SECTION 2. At the 2004 general election, there shall be an advisory referendum on the question of Hawaii's need for legalized gaming and if so, what form of legalized gaming is preferred. The chief election officer of the State shall submit two separate questions to the electorate with instructions as follows:

1. The first proposal shall read: "Shall the State of Hawaii allow some form of legalized gaming?"

2. The second proposal shall be submitted in the form of three questions and shall read: "Indicate which forms, if any, of legalized gaming of which you approve:

(a) Do you support the form of legalized gaming known as pari-mutual racing?

(b) Do you support the form of legalized gaming known as the state lottery?

(c) Do you support the form of legalized gaming known as shipboard gaming?

(d) Do you support the form of legalized gaming known as casino gaming?

The chief election officer shall publish a notice of the referendum proposals and descriptive information of each type of gaming, in accordance with section 1-28.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, at least thirty days before the date of the referendum. The notice of the referendum shall also be available at all public libraries in the State and the office of the county clerk of each county.

The ballot shall print the questions and each question shall have designated spaces to mark YES or NO. The first proposal shall be considered approved only if approved by a majority of all the votes tallied upon the question, this majority constituting more than fifty per cent of the total votes cast at the election.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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