Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 16, Number 5, 1 May 1999 — OHA Casino? [ARTICLE]

OHA Casino?

Recently Big Island Rep. Jerry Chang introduced a resoluhon for OHA and HSRS to purchase a Las Vegas casino in a joint money-making venture. The resolution got shot down. However, I feel the idea was a good one for OHA to pursue alone. Every month more than 40,000 locals fly to Las Vegas where the majority stay at the California, Freemont, Main Street or the Stardust, the only places they know. OHA should look into purchasing one of the older hotel/casinos in town, have it totally refurbished in

Hawaiiana and have a multitude of transplanted Hawaiians working in the hotel?casino business where truly "formal" wear is the tank top or T-shirt, shorts and zoris. OHA could set up its own charters with outer island connecting flights and a shuttle service. The opportunities are unlimited. This would truly be a win?win operation for OHA. Native Americans are presently running successful gaming operations on their tribal lands throughout America. As a kanaka maoli, I look forward to the day when the issue of sovereignty is settled. Until then, OHA should consider owning and operating a hotel?casino in Las Vegas. Steven T. Kalani Burke Pearl City