Bill > HB825

This bill aims to strengthen nuisance abatement laws related to illegal gambling by providing additional rights and imposing stricter penalties. Specifically, the bill expands citizen protections by allowing individuals who bring civil nuisance abatement suits related to gambling offenses to receive the same rights and protections as those who file suits for fireworks or drug-related offenses. The legislation introduces a mandatory $5,000 fine for violations of nuisance abatement laws concerning gambling, which is intended to create a stronger deterrent against illegal gambling activities. The bill modifies existing Hawaii Revised Statutes to add gambling offenses to the list of actions that can trigger citizen suits, and it provides courts with enhanced powers to address nuisances, including the ability to permanently prohibit individuals from entering the premises where the illegal activity occurred, suspend or revoke business licenses, and order the closure of a location for up to one year. The law allows for potential suspension of these prohibitions if the offending party participates in a court-approved treatment and monitoring program and demonstrates improved behavior. The bill's purpose is to provide more robust legal tools to combat illegal gambling and protect communities from associated criminal activities.

Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=825&year=2026