It survived with no assurances that it'll be approved by the full House when it comes up for a floor vote next week.

Although the proposal advanced on a 11-6 vote, six of the yes votes were with reservations. Rep. Michael Kahikina (D, Nanakuli), one of those six, told his colleagues that his floor vote could be a nay.

Other members said the committee vote strongly suggests soft support for the bill, which could fall short of the 26 votes needed for full House approval.

The bill's detractors, such as House Minority Leader Gene Ward (R, Hahaione Valley), questioned the constitutionality of a county referendum opening the door to gambling in the state.

To avoid the constitutional question, proponents redrafted the bill to say gambling would be legal in the state and the Big Island would have to opt in via a county referendum.

"That's still construed as a referendum," said state Rep. Eric Hamakawa (D, Hilo).

Behind the push for gambling is Kona landowner Michael Hands, president of North Kona Development Corp., who wants a casino built on his property.

Hands hired the Los Angeles consulting firm of Arthur Andersen, and a principal in the company, William Whitney, testified yesterday that a $200 million casino-resort hotel complex on the Kona Coast would mean an additional $19.2 million in new state and county tax revenue and the creation of 1,340 new jobs.

An official of the Kanoelehua Industrial Area Association, which has 348 member companies, said a casino would energize the island's economy, which has been weakened by sugar's demise.

However, Rep. Michael White (D, Lahaina), who opposed the bill, wondered why those interests pushing the bill would want to build a casino on the Kona Coast, which is in good economic health, rather than on the Big Island's east side, which isn't.

Also against the measure are church representatives and law enforcement officials.