Cayetano: Let voters Gov. Ben Cayetano is suggesting that the Legislature propose a state constitutional amendment authorizing a single state-licensed casino in Hawaii.
decide on gambling
If lawmakers OK an amendment,
it may be on the 2002 ballotBy Richard Borreca
rborreca@starbulletin.comThe amendment would go to the voters for ratification, and that would serve to let the voters in Hawaii decide once and for all if the state should allow gambling.
The issue has been debated on a state and county level for more than 25 years, Cayetano said.
While he said he has always supported lotteries and pari-mutuel gambling in some form, Cayetano told reporters yesterday he now would support a single licensed casino in the state. But he cautioned he is not pushing the idea or formally proposing it.
"It is an issue that should be put before the people, because I don't think the Legislature is going to decide it themselves. But I am not holding my breath with any issue regarding gambling," Cayetano said.
If the Legislature did approve such an amendment, it could be put on the 2002 ballot.
Meanwhile, an international financial advisor, Deutsche Banc, has issued a report saying that Hawaii is one of nine states and the United Kingdom that will be intensely interested in gambling measures next year.
The firm released a report entitled "2002 Political Outlook: Will Legislators Place Their Bets on Gaming?" which focuses on nine key states and the United Kingdom. These markets will see "meaningful political debate that could ultimately lead to new or expanded gaming operations within the next three years in several of them," said analyst Mark Mutkosk.
Besides Hawaii, the states studied were Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, the report said.
"Budget deficits caused by the rapid economic deceleration have forced many states to tighten their belts and take a closer look at the gaming business as a source for tax revenues and jobs," the report said.
State Web Site
