Honolulu police shut down an alleged illegal gambling room in Ewa Beach on Thursday, seizing gaming machines, cash and arresting a man during a search tied to the department’s continuing crackdown on underground gambling operations.
Officers carried out a search warrant at a property on Old Fort Weaver Road at about 5 p.m. on August 6, according to the Honolulu Police Department. The operation was led by the department’s Narcotics/Vice Division Gambling Detail, with assistance from the District 8 Crime Reduction Unit, Forfeiture Detail, Airport Operations Group and Specialized Services Division.
Investigators removed 15 gaming machines from the location and confiscated more than $2,700 in cash. Police said both the machines and the money were taken into evidence as the investigation moves forward.
One 44-year-old man was taken into custody during the operation. Police said he was arrested on suspicion of Promoting Gambling in the Second Degree and Possession of a Gambling Device.
Latest Ewa Beach raid adds to islandwide gambling enforcement effort
HPD did not identify the man or release additional information about the gambling room. Investigators also did not say how long the operation had been active, what type of gaming machines were recovered or whether anyone else could face charges.
The department said the case is part of a wider effort to disrupt illegal gambling businesses operating across Oʻahu.
“These enforcement operations are an important part of our ongoing efforts to address illegal gambling,” said Maj. Jerome Pacarro of the Honolulu Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Division. “Each shutdown not only disrupts an illegal operation but also provides valuable information that can help identify and investigate those responsible for organizing and profiting from these activities.”
The Ewa Beach case follows several similar searches conducted by Honolulu police in recent months. In a separate investigation on Waimakua Place, officers executing a search warrant recovered 18 gambling machines, more than $11,000 in cash and illegal drugs. No arrests had been announced when details of that operation were released, and investigators said the inquiry remained active.
Police have also carried out gambling investigations in Wahiawa, Nanakuli and Pearl City, recovering dozens of gaming machines and thousands of dollars in cash during those raids. Authorities have repeatedly described the operations as part of an ongoing campaign against illegal gambling rooms throughout the island.
The enforcement push comes as city leaders continue backing tougher measures aimed at illegal gaming operations. In 2025, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi introduced proposals that would increase penalties for larger gambling operations and expand legal tools available to police and property owners.
HPD released information about the Ewa Beach raid on August 7, one day after officers served the warrant. The department is asking anyone with information about suspected illegal gambling activity to contact the Narcotics/Vice Division through its 24-hour hotline or online reporting form.
Featured image: Honolulu Police Department via press release
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