Resolution to study gambling rejected
A state House committee rejected a resolution Friday asking the state to study the potential social and economic effects of gambling in Hawaii.
Hawaii and Utah are the only states where gambling is illegal. Past attempts at legalization have failed.
Proponents say gambling could stimulate Hawaii’s tourism industry. Opponents say they are worried that legalizing gambling would lead to increased crime and other negative societal impacts.
Rep. Clift Tsuji (D, Hilo-Waiakea-Keaukaha), chairman of the Economic Development Committee, said the panel rejected the proposal because the study would be too expensive. He suggested that lawmakers hold an informational briefing instead.
The issue was one of several resolutions that House lawmakers considered Friday. Resolutions are official statements that don’t have the force of law.
Tsuji’s committee moved forward a resolution to use federal funding to research the feasibility of "creating a world-class commercial space launch and control facility in Hawaii." Rep. Angus McKelvey (D, Lahaina-Kaanapali-Honokohau) introduced the resolution, which said Hawaii’s location and telecommunications infrastructure make it ideal for a space launch facility. The state already invests in aerospace research.
Tsuji said the idea has been in the works for a long time.
"The excitement is building," he said. "We’ve got good momentum."
City offices to shut for Good Friday holiday
City offices will be closed on Friday in observance of Good Friday, a state holiday.
Emergency ambulance, fire, lifeguard and police services will be available.
Municipal golf courses, the zoo and botanical gardens will be open.
Regular refuse collections will be made and landfills, convenience centers and transfer stations will be open.
TheBus will operate on its state holiday schedule. (For information, go to www.thebus.org.)
The People’s Open Markets will not be held.
Neal Blaisdell box office will be closed.
Satellite city halls and driver licensing offices will be closed.
Traffic lanes will not be coned.
On-street parking will be free, except for meters on Kalakaua Avenue along Kapiolani Park.
Both motorists in head-on crash still in hospital
A man and a woman remain in stable condition at Wilcox Hospital after a head-on collision Thursday on Kaumualii Highway.
Kauai police said the collision occurred near the Kauai Humane Society at about 6:50 p.m. when an eastbound sedan crossed the center line and hit an oncoming pickup.
Both the 36-year-old female driver of the sedan and the 69-year-old driver of the pickup went to the hospital with serious injuries.
County summer jobs program seeks applicants
Kauai County is inviting high school and college students, as well as adults, to apply for temporary jobs with the Summer Enrichment Program at www.kauai.gov.
Positions include pool lifeguards, clerical and recreational aides, program coordinators, site managers and teachers. The program provides summer activities for children ages 5-11 and runs June 10 to July 19 at the Kekaha, Hanapepe, Kalaheo, Koloa, Kapaa, Kilauea and Lihue neighborhood centers and three schools.
Pool lifeguard jobs begin June 4 with a week of training. The deadline to apply is April 19. Call 241-4460.
New app relays anonymous tips to Kauai police
A new app will allow owners of iPhones and Android phones to send anonymous tips to the Kauai Police Department.
The department says Tip411 can be used to convey information on the whereabouts of a wanted or missing person, details of drug activity in a neighborhood, tips on a cold case, or any other suspicious activity that warrants police attention.
The app, KPD Tip, can be downloaded via Google Play or the Apple App Store.
