Bill > HB825

This bill aims to strengthen nuisance abatement laws related to illegal gambling in Hawaii by expanding legal protections and imposing stricter financial penalties. Currently, citizens bringing civil nuisance abatement suits have certain rights and protections when addressing fireworks and drug-related offenses, but these same protections were not extended to gambling-related cases. The bill will modify existing state law to provide citizens who file nuisance abatement suits against illegal gambling locations the same rights and protections as those who file suits for fireworks or drug offenses, including protections for victims and witnesses in criminal proceedings. Additionally, the bill introduces a mandatory $5,000 fine for individuals found to be maintaining a nuisance related to gambling offenses, which is intended to create a stronger deterrent against such activities. The legislation also allows courts to take additional actions in nuisance abatement cases, such as prohibiting individuals from entering the premises, suspending business licenses, and potentially closing the location for up to one year. These changes are designed to give citizens more legal tools to combat illegal gambling and hold property owners accountable for criminal activities occurring on their premises.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=825&year=2025