Posted on: Tuesday, February 26, 2002
ISLAND VOICES
Gambling debate isn't over
By Dolores Foley and Sharon Y. Miyashiro
The 21st Legislature is again faced with the challenges of the economy — particularly revenue generation. While we can all agree that Hawai'i needs to diversify its economic base, voices differ on the public policy solution — whether gambling is a viable industry for Hawai'i.
Hawai'i is one of three states (Utah and Tennessee are the other two) with no legal gambling; so, once again, gambling has been proposed to address our ailing economy. Proponents and opponents have testified this session on bills concerning gambling, including one that would have studied its impacts. The bills appear to be defeated for this session, but this issue continues to surface and will probably surface in future legislative sessions.
In 1999, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission conducted the most comprehensive legal and factual study on the social and economic impacts of legalized gambling in the U.S. The commission was quick to point out, however, that the impacts of gambling must be assessed by each community, and, as importantly, that the decision must be an informed one that will protect and promote the public's welfare.
It was with that intent that the Hawai'i Public Forums — established by the University of Hawai'i, the Hawai'i Institute for Public Affairs and the Hawai'i Community Services Council to foster dialogue and deliberation on important public issues — sought to bring attention to the issues and choices on gambling.
On Dec. 1, 2001, a public forum — "Gambling: What Should We Do?" — was held at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, asking participants to consider three possible choices for Hawai'i: (1) keep gambling out; (2) introduce gambling; and (3) conduct more study on the costs and benefits. Panelists described each choice; thereafter, approximately 100 participants deliberated on those choices.
Many of those who attended said balanced and objective information on the social and economic impacts of gambling was needed to enable a sound decision on the matter.
To continue this dialogue, the Hawai'i Public Policy Forums is hosting a debate by students from Iolani School and Kahuku High School, followed by a panel to be held tomorrow from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Hawai'i State Capitol Auditorium. The panel will include Dorothy Bobilin from the Hawai'i Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, James Boersema of Starr Siegle Communications, economics Professor Sumner LaCroix and Jerry Burris, Honolulu Advertiser editorial page editor. Peter Adler will moderate.
The Hawai'i Public Forums takes no position. We present the views and concerns voiced by citizens and the research available to date. We encourage citizens to deliberate fully by weighing costs and consequences of different approaches to solving our community problems — from welfare reform to gambling. We believe that informed citizen participation is critical to effective policy-making and the long-term benefit of our community.
All of us need to weigh in on this and other issues. Instead of accusing policy-makers and lobbyists of shutting us out of important decisions affecting us, let's get involved. Hear the information and discuss your concerns. Let's work together as a community to address the tough issues that face us. This is democracy in action.
We urge citizens to come to this session, listen to the students and experts on this issue and voice their views on this important issue. The event is free and open to the public.
Dolores Foley is an associate professor and Sharon Y. Miyashiro is a special projects coordinator at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.
