Tuesday, September 15, 1998
Roll the dice, say state Sen. James Aki (D, Waianae) and former state Sen. Gerald Hagino of Wahiawa, who is seeking to oust state Sen. Robert Bunda (D, Wahiawa) in Saturday's primary. Few candidates express
support for gamblingAki and Hagino were among only nine legislative candidates who said they were pro-gaming, in a survey by the Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling.
Of the 213 respondents, 135 said they opposed legalizing gambling; 11, including House Finance Chairman Calvin Say (D, Palolo), were not sure of their position; and 55 generally opposed gambling. State Sen. Malama Solomon (D, Kohala) said while she is generally opposed to gambling, she supports betting on horse races.
Incumbent Democratic senators who didn't respond to the survey included Ways and Means Co-Chairwoman Rosalyn Baker of Lahaina, Lehua Fernandes Salling of Kapaa, Rod Tam of Nuuanu, David Ige of Pearl City, Cal Kawamoto of Waipahu, and Bunda.
Shipboard gambling, casinos and lotteries have been discussed as options to help Hawaii's economy, but the Legislature has quashed gaming proposals.
THE POT'S BLACK, TOO Republicans, having criticized Democratic U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie for fund raising on the mainland, have done the same thing for GOP challenger Gene Ward, Abercrombie's campaign notes.
Ward is getting help from U.S. House Republican leader Dick Armey and Majority Whip Tom DeLay--both of Texas--and Rep. Jon Linder of Georgia, says Abercrombie campaign spokeswoman Tina Yamamoto. They led the fight to cut Medicare, and they voted against support for Hawaii's sugar farmers, and to end native Hawaiian education, Yamamoto says.
By Star-Bulletin staff