That's the conclusion of a Honolulu Star-Bulletin Poll, which found that 58 percent of those surveyed opposed legalized gambling, while 32 percent favored it. The other 10 percent were undecided.

A solid majority of respondents, 63 percent, think voters should decide whether to legalize gambling.

As for legalizing prostitution, 68 percent were opposed, compared with 20 percent in favor. More than half, 56 percent, believe legalizing prostitution would hurt Hawaii's tourism industry.

The survey's findings generally support the decisions of state legislators, who have been reluctant to pass measures legalizing prostitution or gambling.

A legislative proposal to legalize prostitution stalled earlier this year, while a plan to establish land-based casinos in Hawaii was killed by the House. House leaders have said that it is unlikely they will act on the Senate's shipboard gambling and horse-race betting proposals.

Gary Mangum's views on gambling were representative of many poll respondents. The 52-year-old Kihei resident said that while legalizing gambling may benefit him personally, <P>the long-term social costs may harm later generations.

"Do we want to do this to our kids?" said Mangum, who owns a wholesale jewelry business and runs a group foster home. "What will Hawaii be like 15 years from now if gambling is legalized?"

Delaine Sylvester favors legalizing gambling and prostitution. The 43-year-old Nuuanu resident said government should get out of the business of regulating residents' lifestyles.

What's more, legalizing prostitution and gambling could benefit Hawaii's ailing economy, said Sylvester, owner of Small Business Accounting, which provides bookkeeping and accounting services for small companies.