Requires an advisory referendum consisting of a question to be placed on the ballot for the general election of 2006 on whether the electorate wishes the State to legalize gaming.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that although Hawaii's economy is recovering, new ways of generating revenue need to be explored to maintain much-needed social programs, guarantee quality education, expand economic growth, and compete in the competitive global tourism market. The time has come for the State to explore legalizing gaming as an alternative source of revenue.

The purpose of this Act is to require a non-binding 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 appropriate for the public to make its views known through a non-binding referendum regarding whether to allow legalized gaming in some form in the state.

SECTION 2. At the general election of 2006, there shall be an advisory referendum on whether the electorate wishes the State to legalize gaming. The chief election officer of the State shall submit a proposal to the electorate with instructions in the form of the following question:

The chief election officer shall publish a notice of the advisory referendum question and descriptive information on gaming, in a newspaper of general circulation in the state at least thirty days before the date of the referendum. The notice of the advisory 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 question and the question shall have a designated space to mark YES or NO. The chief election officer shall report the results of the advisory referendum to the legislature.

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