HONOLULU (KHON2) — City leaders are banding together to push back against proposals that would legalize online sports betting.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Honolulu Police Chief Joe Logan and Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm warned that the current efforts would cause devastating consequences for families and communities.
SB1569 is one bill that would establish the regulation of online sports wagering.
In the joint statement, Mayor Blangiardi said Honolulu’s neighborhoods and families have too much at stake to introduce “the consequences that so often affect those who become addicted to sports betting and gambling.”
“Online gambling creates new avenues for financial crimes, fraud and the exploitation of residents,” said Chief Logan. “Our department sees firsthand how gambling-related crime erodes the safety of neighborhoods.”
State lawmakers believe the profits would go towards treating addictions and fund projects in other areas such as education and infrastructure.
City officials urge lawmakers to reject the proposals and instead, focus on other policies, such as promoting mental health and building financial resilience in Honolulu.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
The bill will be heard in a conference committee meeting on Friday, April 25.