Bill > HB1945

This bill authorizes gaming on cruise ships, defined as large passenger ships over 70,000 gross tonnes used for leisure voyages, starting August 1, 2027, allowing such activities while the ship is within state waters or for specific periods while docked at a state harbor, with operations needing to cease within one hour of docking and not begin until one hour before departure. A twenty percent wagering tax will be imposed on the adjusted gross receipts, which are the total money wagered minus winnings paid to players, with cruise ship owners or operators responsible for collecting and remitting this tax to the Department of Taxation, and this tax will be in lieu of most other state taxes on these receipts. The bill also clarifies that gaming on cruise ships is not considered "social gambling," which has specific conditions to be met, and requires the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to report an implementation plan to the Legislature by early 2027.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1945&year=2026