Hawaii has lost tourists like everywhere else with the economy the way it is. Hawaii has always been known for the sun and surf and it might add slots to that list. Lawmakers have begun to look for way to increase revenue with their billion dollar budget deficits and casinos could create new jobs and help the troubled tourism.
It is thought that those heading to Las Vegas from Asia will take the shorter trip and stop in Hawaii instead. In that way they can shorten their flight and experience a Luau and hula dancing while on the island. There are also many who live on Hawaii that make a few trips a year to the main land for gambling in Vegas. Slots in Hawaii would save that trip as they would just take a car ride to the nearest casino.
But then there are those who want to keep the island family-friendly and avoid the crime and social problems that come along with casinos and gambling. People go to Hawaii to be outdoors not closed up indoors gambling.