HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Honolulu Police Department executed a search warrant on an illegal Kakaʻako gambling room on Aug. 7.
The illegal game room was on Queen Street, where 26 gambling machines were seized in the search, HPD said.
In addition to the machines, authorities also say they secured more than $7,500 in cash.
This search of the illegal operation is part of the city’s larger goal of eliminating illegal game rooms, with Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi signing higher penalties for illegal gambling back in June.
According to city officials like Councilmember Andria Tupola, halting illegal game operations is more than just about keeping these games out, it’s about ensuring the safety of the city’s neighborhoods and 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,” Tupola said.