Honolulu police tore through an illegal gambling operation on Lehua Street in Wahiawā, walking away with 36 gambling machines, more than $21,000 in cash, drugs and a loaded firearm. Officers arrived at the alleged game room around 9 p.m. on Wednesday to execute a search warrant, capping what has become a steady drumbeat of similar raids across Oahu this year.
According to the Honolulu Police Department, officers recovered a total of 36 gambling machines, $21,639 in cash, drugs and a loaded firearm during the search. All of the items were submitted into evidence, police said. The operation was led by HPD’s Narcotics/Vice Division Gambling Detail, with help from the District 2 Crime Reduction Unit, the District 2 Community Policing Team, the Forfeiture Detail, the Airport Operations Group Detail and the Specialized Services Division.
As of publication, there was no word on any arrests connected to the Lehua Street search, Hawaii News Now reported. HPD framed the bust as part of a broader mission, stating it remains committed to addressing illegal gambling operations that negatively impact the safety and quality of life in Oahu communities.
A Familiar Address for Wahiawā Enforcement
This isn’t the first time investigators have zeroed in on Wahiawā’s underground game room scene. Back in March, police recovered 10 machines and more than $5,000 in cash during a raid on nearby Mala Street, the same outlet’s report noted. No arrests were made in that case, though police said at the time that future arrests were expected as the investigation continued…