Comm No 0003.03 - Form Ad hoc Committees - Testimony

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Margaret Wille Attorney at Law 65-1316 Lihipali Road Kamuela, Hawaii 96743 Tel: 808-854-6931 margaretwillnac.com February 8, 2019 To: Charter Commission Fr: Margaret Wine, on behalf of myself Testimony Re: Comm. 4S." "Other -proposals -for -the Commission to consider" fl Amend Article XIII by adding Section 13-30, as follows: Section 13-30 Low Stakes Bingo Not Prohibited Subject to any restriction imposed by the State legislature, the County Council may authorize the Finance Department to contract with a third party to hold "Low Stakes Bingo" games at such location and times as deemed appropriate and under such conditions as deemed appropriate to preserve the health and safety of the population, including that no one under the age of 21 be permitted to enter. "Low Stakes Bingo" means no pot in excess of $10,000. Rationale: The County is in need of revenue obtained in ways that do not put an additional burden on the working people in this County, such as the current practice of raising the tax rates, and or alternatively squeezing the belt on essential services. Allowing for low stakes bingo would provide such a source of revenue. Low Stakes Bingo as with any game of chance poses some risk that those who cannot afford to lose any earning will nevertheless engage in this pursuit, "Low Stakes Bingo" is however not a big money casino operation that lures predatory enterprises to get involved. There comes a point where a paternalistic attitude by those in the County Government (who would oppose any gaming/gambling type of operation) need to face the reality that increasing property taxes and supplemental GET taxes is a formula for ever more rapidly losing our youth to other states with a lower standard of living. That time is now. This Charter amendment does not provide for a low Stakes Bingo operation but simply makes clear that it is not prohibited and may be considered by the Counsel subject to any conditions mandated by the State. Comm. No. 3.3