"Hawaiian officials want to add gambling to state’s allure; Casino proposal could be boost for tourism, budget" by Mark Niesse, Associated Press | February 21, 2010
HONOLULU - Hawaii has always been known for its sun, sand, and surf. It may soon add another attraction: slots.
Hawaii is one of the last two states with no legalized gambling, but lawmakers facing billion-dollar budget deficits and hunting for ways increase revenue are thinking about allowing casinos in tourist-filled Waikiki or on Native Hawaiian lands.
Proponents say casinos would draw much-needed new money and jobs into the long-troubled, tourism-dependent economy. Tourists from the mainland would skip Las Vegas to sun on pristine beaches and take a turn at the roulette tables. Coveted high-rollers from Asia could avoid the long trans-Pacific flight, shortening their trip to the slots while also checking out the hula dancing. And the hundreds of thousands of Hawaii residents who fly about six hours to Vegas would only have to jump in the car or hop a short flight to place a wager. Las Vegas is known around here as Hawaii’s ninth island.
“The populace here loves to gamble. Hawaii by nature is a gambling community,’’ said Honolulu resident Ricky Graves, who travels to Las Vegas two or three times a year, but fears that casinos in Hawaii could ruin families by making it too easy for them to gamble away their money.
When is the next flight back to the continental U.S.?
Ah, who cares about families when a ca$ino can make a buck?
Gambling opponents are urging state legislators to block casinos so that the islands can maintain their status as a family friendly destination lacking the serious crime and social problems they say accompanies legalized gambling elsewhere.
Again, there are certain thing$ that don't jibe with that fact.
“People don’t come here to be shut up in a casino to gamble,’’ said Dianne Kay, president of the Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling. “It would be sad if we destroyed the beautiful ambiance we have here.’’
Yes, sad is the way I have been feeling lately.
Islanders have a long history with gambling, dating back to the days of the Hawaiian kingdom when there was betting on horse racing, said Kale Gumapac, spokesman for the Native Hawaiian group Kanaka Council Moka o Keawe. And illegal gambling is thriving today, with sports books, cock fighting, and card houses the more popular forms. The Internet has also made gaming more accessible.
I guess it's like sex, huh? Never going to stop it?
But the state’s natural attractions and its religious missionary history have instilled a sense among many that gambling shouldn’t intrude on one of the nation’s last holdouts against it. Utah is the only other state where gambling is illegal, though Nevada is just next door.
“People in Hawaii like gambling, but they realize it’s not a very good idea to legalize it,’’ said Dennis Arakaki, head of the Hawaii Family Forum and Hawaii Catholic Conference. “Gambling isn’t a good way to deal with your financial problems, either personally or as a state.’’
Is this one reason why the Church is getting pounded in the papers (but be sure to go to Bingo night)!!?
Police say legal gambling would increase crimes such as prostitution and drug dealing....
And the politicians usually listen to the police.
Supporters dispute claims that legalized gambling would spread crime. They’re more focused on the potential for gambling to jump-start the economy, especially if a casino could get running within a year as they claim. Legislators view gambling as a rare opportunity to raise money without having to raise taxes....
Notice how CUTTING SPENDING never enters the equation?
Lawmakers pitch gambling bills nearly every year, but the measures rarely advance through several committees as they have this year.
I guess you can get ready to roll crap in the sand, 'eh?
Still stinks like sh.....
--more--"
