Posted on: Sunday, January 6, 2002

Gambling issue may bring heated debate this year

Advertiser Staff

With Hawai'i's economy reeling in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, momentum for legalized gambling appears to be building.

Previous proposals have died quickly in the Legislature in recent years, largely because there was a solid majority in the House opposed to it.

But gambling advocates have made unmistakable progress in the past year, largely as the result of the state's eroding tourism business.

Gambling opponents in the House say they remain confident any push will fail this year, but Gov. Ben Cayetano now has abandoned his long-standing opposition to gambling in Hawai'i and has said he would support a licensing arrangement that allows a single casino to operate.

Cayetano also has said he would support legalizing gambling on inter-island cruise ships.

A look at the gaming business, and at a Nevada city's experience, offer insight into some of the economic issues Hawai'i could face as legislators head back to the Capitol on Jan. 16 and wrestle with gambling legalization yet again.