Anti-gambling coalition
By Keith Kosaki
takes case to Capitol
Star-BulletinYoshiaki Fujitani has seen how the pursuit of "big bucks" from gambling can consume someone's life.
ip,,,1The retired Honpa Hongwanji reverend remembers a woman asking him for a $600 loan about 10 years ago to buy more tickets for a lucky-number lottery. Fujitani said the woman needed the money for debts, but still wanted to buy more tickets because she was convinced she was going to win.
"It was kind of sad to see people like that," Fujitani said. "They just lose all sense."
Fujitani was expected to join other community leaders and the Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling at a press conference today to oppose gambling measures at the Legislature, such as the bill legalizing cockfighting.
Gov. Ben Cayetano recently said the issue should be decided by voters as a last resort to get the economy going. Senate President Norman Mizuguchi has said he supports "gaming and activities that create jobs and bring in nontax revenues for the state."
"Forty-eight states in the union have some form of gaming, and they seem to feel that the economic benefits of gaming far outweigh any 'social ills,' " Mizuguchi said. "Any form of gaming we put in place would need to be carefully monitored, and I'm confident our people would do just that."
Coalition members say the state should look for other ways to make money.
"Gambling is not the answer," coalition Chairwoman Dorothy Bobilin said. "It's a very big temptation to say, 'Let's just use this as our economic development.' "
Community leaders agreed that legalized gambling would have harmful effects.
"Some people are pretty careful, but there's some who just get hooked," Fujitani said.
He added that "quick-fix" economic solutions usually don't last very long.
Board of Education Chairwoman Karen Knudsen said she doesn't support legalized gambling, even a state lottery with funds earmarked for education.
"I think it sends a totally wrong message to our students," Knudsen said.
University of Hawaii Assistant Athletic Director Kaia Hedlund said legalized gambling would make it more difficult to educate student-athletes about National Collegiate Athletic Association regulations on gambling.
"We have to keep on our toes," said Hedlund, who's in charge of NCAA compliance. "We know that we have a risk of our kids being involved."
Sam Cox, retired director of Hale Kipa, said gambling, especially casino and lotteries, would entice more young adults to pursue easy money.
"If the state sponsors this, it would indicate that this is a way to make an easy buck. Our immediate concern is the well-being of our youth. They're already exposed to enough."
A calendar of tomorrow's hearings -- to be held at the state Capitol, 415 S. Beretania St., unless noted: LEGISLATURE UPDATE
HOUSE
Health: Hearing on resolutions requesting the auditor to assess social and financial effects of requiring health insurers to offer HIV testing to all pregnant women and the development of rural health plan for Puna and Kau districts. Decision-making to follow, 8:30 a.m., Room 329.
SENATE
Judiciary: Decision-making on bills relating to wiretapping and electronic surveillance and solid waste management, written testimony only. Hearing on bills relating to foreclosures, securities, pawnbrokers and gasoline price posting. Decision-making to follow if time permits, 8:30 a.m., Room 016.
