Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2021

DHHL Statement on New Gambling Report

(Kapolei, Oʻahu) – The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Deputy Tyler Iokepa Gomes issued the following statement following the Monday, Feb. 1 press conference hosted by Representative Stacelyn K.M. Eli on the impacts of the proposed DHHL Casino on Native Hawaiians, immigrants, and women.

“We acknowledge the social concerns brought up in today’s press conference and in the newly issued report, ‘Gambling With Women’s Safety: A Feminist Assessment of DHHL Proposed Resort Casino.’ It is no secret that illegal gaming is already a reality in our communities and that there are related social ills already in existence.

“The Chair and I believe that gaming can be responsibly implemented in Hawaiʻi through a regulatory process that sets aside resources to aid in the mitigation of the potential impacts. These resources can fund similar public safety measures and best practices that have already been developed and administered by countries like Japan, Singapore, and New Zealand. 

“DHHL’s proposal was written with social responsibility in mind and includes specific funding sources that would help alleviate negative social impacts.”

More information on DHHL’s proposed legislation can be found on the Department’s website at dhhl.hawaii.gov/government-relations.

###

About the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands:
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921, with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of over 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading.

Media Contact:
Cedric Duarte
Information and Community Relations Officer
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
(808) 620-9591
(808) 342-0873
[email protected]