Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle said in January that one of her options to battle a huge budget deficit was to consider the introduction of gaming, and state Senator Donna Mercado Kim said she may propose a bill to introduce slot machines into Hawaiian resorts.

Kim said her proposal would apply only to Honolulu, prompting the city’s Mayor, Mufi Hannemann, to say he is opposed to gambling anywhere on the island. Joining the mayor in opposition are Police Chief Boisse P. Correa and City Councilman Romy M. Cachola.

“Gambling is not the answer to economic woes,” Correa told a local newspaper. “It’s just bringing in crime, corruption and social problems that we don’t want in our community.”

But Hawaii Budget Director Georgina Kawamura said the state needs to keep all options open.

“We see this list as a means to have this open discussion and continue our collaboration in assessing all viable options,” she said.

By Casino Connection Staff