Honolulu police seize 20 gambling machines in Waianae

For the second time in less than a month Honolulu police officers shut down an illegal gambling operation in Waianae.

On Tuesday, at about 6:30 p.m. police officers executed a search warrant on an illegal gambling room in Waianae near Farrington Hwy, following a Narcotics/Vice investigation.

During the search, officers found 20 gambling machines, $3,615 in cash, and illegal drugs.

Police arrested a 29-year-old man on suspicion of promoting gambling in the second degree and possession of a gambling device. He was released pending investigation.

There have been 65 gambling equipment violations recorded by HPD as of today, according to HPD’s Crime Analysis Dashboard. There have been 68 violations for promoting,operating or assisting gambling in that same time period.

On June 12, a 58-year-old woman was arrested when police officers shut down an illegal game room near Ihuku St in Waianae at about 7 p.m.

A woman, 58, was arrested on suspicion of promoting gambling in the second degree and possession of a gambling device. She was released pending investigation.

Gambling arrests increased on Oahu last year. The Honolulu Police Department made 115 arrests for gambling equipment violations in 2024, up from 92 in 2023, according to HPD’s data dashboard.

Officers also arrested 124 people for operating, promoting or assisting gambling in 2024, up from 109 arrests in 2023. In 2022, HPD arrested 140 people for promoting gambling and 67 for possessing gambling equipment.

On June 19, Mayor Rick Blangiardi signed three new laws designed to help law enforcement shutter illegal gambling operations.

>> Bill 11 strengthens the nuisance abatement process, allowing for faster shutdown of properties used for illegal activity.

>> Bill 12 increases fines for unpermitted work at illegal game rooms, which are often sites of electrical and fire code violations.

>> Bill 13 makes it easier for property owners to evict tenants engaged in criminal activity, reducing the burden of proof previously required.

To report illegal gambling, call the Narcotics/Vice 24-hour hotline at (808) 723-3933 or use the online form.