Honolulu Enacts New Laws to Combat Illegal Game Rooms
Honolulu City officials have taken significant steps to combat illegal game rooms on Oahu, particularly in Waianae. On Thursday, Mayor Rick Blangiardi enacted three new bills aimed at enhancing the Honolulu Police Department’s (HPD) ability to remove these illegal establishments. The laws—Bills 11, 12, and 13—were introduced by Council members Andria Tupola and Tyler Dos Santos-Tam in January and received full Council approval on June 4.
Bill 11 streamlines the nuisance abatement process, enabling quicker closures of properties involved in illegal activities. Bill 12 imposes heftier fines for unpermitted work at these gaming parlors, which often violate electrical and fire safety codes. Bill 13 simplifies the eviction process for property owners dealing with tenants engaged in criminal activity.
At a news conference, Tupola underscored the importance of these measures, stating, “This is about action, partnership, and empowering our community to fight back.” Mayor Blangiardi echoed her sentiment, emphasizing the practical impact of these bills on public safety. Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm noted that these laws will compel operators to register their gaming devices, enabling HPD to seize unregistered equipment.
Despite these new powers, enforcement remains challenging. HPD officials previously reported over 100 illegal game rooms operating across Oahu, many reopening shortly after closures. In 2024 alone, HPD managed to shut down 60 game rooms, but over 60 may still be active, indicating a persistent problem.
In tandem with these legislative changes, progress is being made on enhancing police resources in Waianae, including a $1.7 million investment in the local police station, which aims to improve conditions for law enforcement and community interactions.
Moving forward, these initiatives signify a committed effort to ensure the safety and well-being of Honolulu’s communities.
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