Hawaii considers legal gambling to fund Aloha Stadium project
Hawaii may be moving closer to legalising gambling as a potential solution to funding the ambitious Aloha Stadium Entertainment District project. With state lawmakers considering the issue, Governor Josh Green (depicted in the featured image) has reportedly acknowledged growing public support for legal gaming, particularly if the revenue is directed toward housing and other essential projects.
State Senate proposals and public support
A state senate subcommittee recently advanced two key resolutions. One urges the Stadium Authority to finalise a construction contract and develop the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District. The other proposes the creation of a state-led ‘Gaming Working Group’ to study the potential impact of legalised gambling in Hawaii.
Governor Green pointed out that a recent poll showed that nearly 70 percent of Hawaiian residents support gambling if the funds are used for housing and community benefits. Support was even higher among Native Hawaiian communities, provided the revenue directly supports housing initiatives.
“Well, it’s not quite ready for prime time,” Governor Green said. “As you see, the legislature is being cautious, and that’s smart. But it was interesting to see. We got a survey or poll of people, and about two out of three in our state wanted to do gaming as long as the monies went to an important set of projects, mostly housing.”
Governor Green’s Neutral Stance on Gambling
While Governor Green remains neutral on the issue of gambling, he recognises that it could be a viable option to help bridge financial gaps in the stadium project. The state currently has $400 million allocated to demolish and rebuild Aloha Stadium. Still, additional funds are needed to meet the estimated $800 million required for a fully modernised stadium and entertainment district.
To fill the financial gap, the state is also seeking private investments in increments of $50 million or more. “We really would like to have $800 million to build a modern stadium as a part of this district, and that’s why people are talking about gambling,” Green added. “You could see the renderings; they’re really beautiful, and it will generate revenue for our state.”
Past attempts at legalising gambling in Hawaii
Hawaii and Utah are the only two U.S. states that completely prohibit gambling. Over the years, multiple efforts to introduce casinos or other forms of gaming have failed due to strong opposition from lawmakers and community groups.
Earlier this year, Senate Bill 893 was introduced to establish a Hawaii Gaming Control Commission and impose a 15 percent tax on casino revenue. However, the bill was shelved amid concerns about crime, gambling addiction, and financial fraud. Groups such as the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s Office voiced opposition, warning about potential negative effects on public safety and community well-being.
Critics argue that integrating casinos into family-friendly locations like the Aloha Stadium Entertainment District or the Hawaii Convention Center could disrupt community spaces traditionally used for sporting events, graduation ceremonies, and other public gatherings.
The new stadium’s target opening date is the 2028 University of Hawaii football season. The New Aloha Stadium Entertainment District (NASED) has called this timeline “ambitious yet achievable.”
