Four people are facing felony gambling charges in Honolulu after a months-long investigation that police say is part of a broader push to shut down illegal game rooms across the island. Court filings and police records show the quartet was charged this month with promoting gambling in the second degree. Three of the defendants were previously arrested, then released after each posted $20,000 bail, while a fourth was later taken into custody on a bench warrant, as reported by Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Who Was Charged And When
The felony information identifies 65-year-old Hubert Chang; 59-year-old Kelfred Chang; 57-year-old Gifford Chang; and 63-year-old Amelia Chang, also known as Amelia Watanabe, as defendants, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The outlet reports that three of them were arrested at the main police station, then released after posting $20,000 bail.
Part Of A Wider Crackdown
The case is part of a citywide effort by Honolulu police to shut down illegal game rooms and remove gambling machines. Police have carried out many raids this year, seizing dozens of machines and focusing on repeat problem locations. City officials say police are working with prosecutors and code-enforcement teams to close these sites and hold property owners responsible for allowing illegal gambling, as per Hoodline.
What The Charges Allege
According to the charging document, prosecutors allege the defendants "negligently advanced" gambling activity by materially aiding operations on several dates listed in the information: Oct. 29, 2024; Nov. 26, 2024; and Feb. 5 and Feb. 13. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports that a bench warrant was issued for the defendants and that Hubert Chang was arrested at his East Honolulu home, then later released on bail.
Legal Note
Under Hawaii law, promoting gambling in the second degree is a class C felony. The statute covers negligently advancing or profiting from gambling activity, according to state law at HRS §712-1222. The offense and its classification are outlined in the Hawaii Revised Statutes, which give prosecutors discretion to bring felony charges tied to unlicensed game-room operations.
What Happens Next
Prosecutors have filed a felony information and court dates will be scheduled as the case moves forward, according to public records and local reporting. In the meantime, Honolulu police say the broader investigation into illegal game rooms is ongoing.
Anyone with information about suspected illegal gambling operations is urged to contact the Narcotics/Vice hotline at (808) 723-3933 or use the contact options listed by the Honolulu Police Department.
