HONOLULU (KHON2) — Two separate illegal games rooms were searched this past week, the Honolulu Police Department said.
According to authorities, HPD’s Narcotics/Vice Division, as well as the District 5 Crime Reduction Unit and the Specialized Services Division, executed their first search warrant on July 28.
The first search took place in Kalihi on Kahaha Street at approximately 5 p.m., officials said. During their search, HPD says they seized 20 gambling machines, more than $3,600 in cash and illicit drugs.
At the scene, a 29-year-old man was arrested for Promoting Gambling in the Second Degree and Possession of a Gambling Device, HPD said.
Days later, on July 30, law enforcement continued their gambling crackdown, this time on Wanaka Street in Salt Lake. During their search of the second illegal game room, authorities located 18 gambling machines, more than $4,350 in cash and illicit drugs.
The increased action against illegal game rooms is part of a recent city initiative to eliminate such rooms, with Mayor Rick Blangiardi signing higher penalties for illegal gambling back in June.
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For the city, illegal game rooms don’t just create environments for illegal gambling — they tarnish the safety of the surrounding area and jeopardize residents.
“The community members are living next to game rooms where there is trafficking, shootings, guns, we need to take them out of residential areas so we can feel safe,” said Honolulu City Councilmember Andria Tupola.