Report Title:
LRB Study; Economic/Social Impacts of Casinos and Lotteries
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THE SENATE |
S.C.R. NO. |
123 |
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TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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RESOLUTION
REQUESTING A STUDY OF THE
WHEREAS, with news of the faltering U.S. and Asian economies, revenue predictions, although optimistic in the near term, could experience a downturn in the coming year; and
WHEREAS, because of the maturation of Hawaii’s visitor industry, the State has been exploring the development of new visitor attractions and niche markets to improve the growth of the visitor industry; and
WHEREAS, many destinations that are competing with Hawaii for visitor dollars have included legal gaming in some form; and
WHEREAS, Hawaii is one of only two states that prohibit all types of gaming; and
WHEREAS, those opposed to legal gaming argue that these forms of gaming will not attract "new" dollars, but will cause a shift in spending patterns which will ultimately hurt existing businesses; and
WHEREAS, on the other hand, proponents of gaming argue that the State loses millions in revenue each year to other jurisdictions with gaming as:
(1) Many residents spend a good portion of their entertainment dollars on regular and frequent visits to areas such as Las Vegas;
(2) Many visitors, especially from Asia, will choose another destination that offers gaming as part of its entertainment package;
(3) Many businesses are turning to investments in businesses or real estate in areas such as Las Vegas where the returns are high due to the economic stimulation caused by gaming; and
(4) Many former Hawaii residents have relocated to areas such as Las Vegas to make a better life for themselves and their children because the cost of living is lower and the economic and educational opportunities are greater;
and
WHEREAS, these arguments are primarily based on studies conducted in other states or anecdotal information and are not supported by any hard data on the spending or investment patterns of Hawaii’s visitors and residents; and
WHEREAS, although recently, studies have been conducted in the past regarding the potential social impact legalized gaming would have if allowed in the State, as well as the economic impact that shipboard gaming and pari-mutuel wagering would have on the State, these studies did not take into account casino gaming and lottery as potential forms of legalized gaming; and
WHEREAS, in order to make a fully informed decision about gaming in Hawaii, the Legislature needs updated, comprehensive, and objective information about the economic and social impacts of legalizing gaming activities such as casino gaming and lottery in Hawaii; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-First Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Legislative Reference Bureau conduct a study on the economic and social impacts of legalizing casino gaming and lottery in Hawaii; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, and the Airlines Committee of Hawaii are requested to cooperate with the Legislative Reference Bureau by providing access to information as well as assistance in facilitating surveys that may be deemed necessary; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2002 Regular Session; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; and the executive heads of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, and the Airlines Committee of Hawaii.
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OFFERED BY: |
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