Odds are Stacking Against Legalized Gambling in Hawaii

HONOLULU, Hawaii -- As reported by KGMB9: "With unemployment and economic concerns mounting some lawmakers are looking at new ways to bring in revenue, even if it means legalizing gambling. Today
  both sides argued their case on the controversial subject.

"Hawaii and Utah are the only two states in the country without some sort of legalized gambling or lottery and chances are it will stay that way.

"...(State Senator Donna) Mercado Kim introduced a bill that would legalize slot machines and video poker, but only at licensed resorts and airports and it would not be marketed to locals.

"...Opponents say people shouldn't turn to gambling to solve their own economic problems and neither should the government. That is why the Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized Gambling has flown in Professor Kindt to try and educate people about the ABC's of gambling, meaning increased addicts, bankruptcies and crime.

"...Don't bet on gambling coming to Hawaii anytime soon. Even Mercado Kim admits it's a long shot.

"'I don't believe it's going to go anywhere. I don't believe there is the will or the support for it at this point in time,' said Mercado Kim. 'But again, this is just one more option on the table and it's not a popular option at this point but who knows what's going to happen in the future...'"