Sun International To Host Hawaiian Casino Resort

Sun International Chairman Butch Kirsner spoke with key lawmakers on Feb. 7 about plans for an $800 million casino resort in Co Olina.

Of the 50 states, only Utah, Tennessee and Hawaii do not have legal gambling. But Kurzner is asking the Hawaii Legislature to allow gambling on a single property in exchange for casino taxes and fees that could be used for college scholarships.

Kerzner thinks the global combination of resorts and casinos will be natural in Hawaii. "There is a real opportunity to develop products that will capture the Japanese market," Kerzner says.

In December 2000, Governor of Hawaii Ben Cayetano visited Sun International's elaborate Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas, which Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham says should be recognized for reviving the once-declining tourism and hotel sector.

Gambling critics argue that saying "Aloha" to any casino gambling in Hawaii is just a step toward legalizing gambling across the state and attracting organized crime and problem gambling.

House Speaker Calvin says he doubts Kertzner can convince the legislature. "I'm not sure if there's a critical mass," he says.  프라그마틱 슬롯 사이트