COURTESY HONOLULU POLICE DEPARTMENT
Two dozen gambling machines, cash and drugs were confiscated from this illegal wagering den in Kakaako in a May 2021 raid.
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Illegal game rooms often become dangerous hubs where other crimes occur, including murder. The Honolulu City Council recently considered Bills 57 and 58, which take aim at game rooms. Bill 57 would have levied heavy fines on landlords who allow game rooms on their property, while Bill 58 would have enabled city building inspectors to assist the Honolulu Police Department in enforcing the law against these operations.
Both measures have been deferred for now by the Council’s Zoning Committee, to allow for consideration of potential legal issues. The committee still has time to give the measures another hearing and pass them.
Measures like these are important to stop the spread of game rooms, and Councilmember Calvin Say, as the chair of zoning, has a chance to listen to the concerns that community members have been raising.
Dave Nagaji
Manoa
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